






CopyrightN 0 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




* 

' 

















* 



■ 



































o 


• 


THE ACCUSED 

BY 

NINA MILLS ELLIOTT 

n 

NEW YORK 


• 


• 











/ 


V 





































v 



































k 



THE ACCUSED 




* 






% 


♦ 













\ 


6 










































* 































/ 










% 






























r 




L • 




























THE ACCUSED 


CHAPTER ONE 

F LORA’S wedding was the one topic of 
conversation in her set; how she had 
gone to the little western town to visit her 
dear friend, Kate West, and after two months 
spent in one round of pleasure, she had come 
home the promised wife of Tom West, Kate’s 
brother. 

Judge Gray was much opposed to his only 
daughter going so far from him, but Flora 
had always ruled since her mother’s death. 
She won her father’s consent. When Tom 
came for a visit to them, the Judge smiled, 
saying to himself, “ I guess the girl has chosen 
well.” 

Tom talked over his business affairs with 
the Judge. No young couple ever embarked 
on life’s sea with fairer prospects. When 
Tom bade Flora good-bye it was settled that 
the wedding would be in three months. Kate 
3 


THE ACCUSED 


was to come and spend the last month in New 
York with Flora. 

“ Oh, Tom, what glorious times Kate will 
have. You must come one week before the 
wedding.” 

As these two stood in the parlour of the 
Gray home, no handsomer couple could be 
found. Tom, tall and handsome; Flora, a 
diminutive blond. It was seen at a glance she 
was the petted child of fortune. 

“ Yes, my darling, I will be here one week 
with you, and who knows but I may come 
sooner? I can’t bear to give you up even for 
three months. How I wish you were going 
with me this morning, Flora dear. I wonder 
how I lived at all without you. I know now 
what it was I was waiting for. Kate has so 
often been vexed that I could not fall in love 
with her girl friends. None of them ever in- 
terested me until you came, sweet Flora. I 
knew the moment my hand held yours in wel- 
come, there was something different in you 
from the rest. Day after day I watched you 
in our home. I listened for your voice. If 
I were tired, it soothed me. As the end of 
your visit drew near I felt I could not live 
4 


CHAPTER ONE 


without Flora. For days I was miserable, 
fearing to tell you how dear you were to me. 
There were so many who worshipped at your 
shrine. Then, dear heart, I feared to ask you 
to come to live in my far western home. 
Flora dear, will you be happy there, far away 
from all the big city offers you? Will you 
grow tired of our unpretentious people? Will 
you be happy with us? ” 

“ Why, Tom, what makes you talk like 
that? You know I would give up the whole 
world for you. Like Ruth in the Bible, 
* your people shall be my people.’ ” 

Throwing both arms about him, Flora 
kissed him many times saying, “We will be 
so happy, dear, that all the world will envy 
us. Don’t let thoughts like that come into 
your head any more. Write me a long letter 
each day, no matter how busy you are. Know 
that I am waiting for a message from the 
dearest sweetheart a girl ever had. I will 
write to you each night, telling you how my 
day has been spent. I wish father would con- 
sent to a quiet home wedding, but he says we 
must be married in the church where he and 
mother made their vows twenty-two years ago, 
ft 


THE ACCUSED 


and by the same old minister. When Flora 
Russell, twenty-two years ago, married Wal- 
ter Gray, it was a great social event; so must 
he the marriage of their only daughter to Tom 
West, who comes many miles to claim his 
bride.” 

“ Bless you, my own little sweetheart! You 
make me the happiest man in all the world. 
The hour has come for me to say good-bye. 
Remember me every moment, and know that 
away out west I am toiling for Flora.” 

After many kisses and promises of love 
eternal, Tom strained her to his breast, and 
ere she knew he was out the door, fairly 
flying down the walk. 

“ Dear old Tom, how I love him. We shall 
he so happy. Bless you, Tom, I love you with 
my whole heart and soul. You shall never 
he sorry that you chose me to he your wife. 
I will show you that I can keep house with 
one servant, help with the preserving and do 
many things that I noticed Kate and her 
aunt doing while I visited in Salem.” 

Seating herself in a big comfortable chair, 
Flora began planning the wedding and her 
trousseau. After an hour spent quietly she 
6 


CHAPTER ONE 

spoke aloud. “ Flora Gray, what are you 
thinking of? You are not marrying a New 
York millionaire. You are not going to dine 
at Sherry’s and lunch at Delmonico’s, and 
have theatre parties with supper after. You 
are not marrying a man twice your years for 
money and position who will want you dressed 
like a doll to show you to his friends and 
enemies as one of his possessions. You will 
be a foolish girl to go to live in Salem with 
the kind of clothes you are planning, so now 
you must begin all over again. With the 
exception of my wedding gown and the travel- 
ling costume, I will have pretty, simple frocks. 
I am going to show Tom and Kate that I am 
one of them. I often felt when I was a visi- 
tor in Salem that I would love to have a 
simpler wardrobe. Now for a dainty trous- 
seau befitting the bride of Tom West, who is 
working hard to earn honest dollars and fame 
in his chosen profession. Tom dear, Flora 
will help you to climb to the top of the 
ladder, and when we are old you can say, like 
father, ‘ Flora helped me; she was my inspira- 
tion, my own little leader-on.’ ” 


ar. 


CHAPTER TWO 


W AS there ever such a beautiful bride, 
so handsome a groom? How happy 
they looked! The old church was filled with 
friends of the Gray family. There was none 
who stood higher in the state than Judge 
Gray. He was a descendant of the old family 
of Grays in Delaware. His father came to 
New York in the early forties, so Walter 
Gray was born and reared there. Just 
twenty-two years ago on the day that his 
daughter Flora was married he had led Flora 
Russell, one of the belles of her day, up to the 
same altar. Now, as the same old wedding 
march pealed out, and he with his silver hair 
brushed carelessly back, his face white with 
sad memories, walked slowly up the aisle, his 
beautiful daughter on his arm, his heart was 
heavy indeed. Tom West, waiting at the altar 
to receive this priceless jewel, felt a thrill of 
joy never known before as he saw this vision 
of beauty coming to him, and knew she was 
8 


CHAPTER TWO 


so soon to take the vows that made her his 
“ until death do us part.” 

When the venerable priest asked, “ Who 
gives this woman to be married to this 
man?” Judge Gray gave one look at his 
child, then answered in a clear voice, “ I 
do.” Handing her over to Tom, he stepped 
back a few steps, standing through the 
ceremony. 

The last words of the benediction, the 
solemn peals of the monster organ as the bridal 
party marched out, all necks were craned to 
get a glimpse of the bride and groom. There 
were many there who had seen her mother the 
day she was a bride. Of course the two wed- 
dings were freely discussed. 

Driving to her home, a reception of her 
friends lasted for two hours. Stealing away 
from the crowd, she went to her own room 
and changed her beautiful wedding gown for 
a simple dress of brown, with hat, gloves and 
shoes the same. She seemed a beautiful child 
ready to start on her way to school. Tom 
and her father met her in the upstairs sitting- 
room. Going down the back stairs to 
a side street, where a carriage waited for 
9 


THE ACCUSED 


them, they were driven to the station and 
boarded the train that would take them 
home. 

Judge Gray could not keep the tears back. 
He held his child in his arms, bidding her 
good-bye and asking God to bless and take 
care of her in her new home. As the two men 
clasped hands no word was uttered. Flora 
followed her father to the platform, saying, 
“ You promised you would come in the sum- 
mer. Don’t disappoint me. Good-bye, my 
good, sweet old dad. Don’t miss me too 
much.” 

The train was moving. She stood and 
watched him out of sight, and when she 
turned to enter the door, Tom was standing 
by her side. As they closed the stateroom 
door, he said, “ My own little wife, I will 
try to make up for all you have given 
up for me. If I fail to make you happy 
you must tell me, so I can try all over 
again.” 

“ I have no fear, we will be happy.” 

The train was fairly flying through the 
country. They sat hand in hand, discussing 
all their plans. 


10 


CHAPTER TWO 


“ We are to stop a few days in Chicago 
so that Kate will get home before we do. 
Dear old Kate! How she loves New York. 
What times we had doing the sights. She 
couldn’t understand how I could give it all 
up and go west to live. I am afraid if you 
had heard what I told her you would have a 
case of big head, so I won’t tell you; but 
anyway, I love New York, but I love 
Tom West better than all the world. We 
will never give a sigh of regret, only wish for 
father. I know he will miss me more than he 
thinks.” 

“ Listen, Flora dear. Our west is a great 
country. There is room for all who wish to 
throw in their lot with ours, so in time the 
Judge may come to live with us. The plans 
for our new home are about completed. 
There is a room for your father. Remember 
our home is his home whenever he feels that 
he can leave New York.” 

Clapping her hands in delight at the pros- 
pect of her father’s coming west to live, Flora 
was the picture of happiness. After twenty- 
four hours on the train, Chicago was reached. 
The wind was blowing a regular gale, cold 
11 


THE ACCUSED 


and dreary the city looked as they stepped 
off the train at the Dearborn Street station. 
Going at once to the Auditorium Hotel they 
were assigned an apartment. Their baggage 
was brought up, and Flora changed her 
travelling dress for one more suitable for 
dinner in a fashionable cafe. Many admiring 
glances followed the handsome couple as they 
walked through the cafe to the table at the 
far end of the room. 

They were seated and their order given, 
when Tom was slapped on the hack by a great 
big fellow in brown clothes. 

“ Bless my soul! If I am not dreaming, 
this is Tom West of Salem, Indiana. I 
haven’t seen you for ten years, but you haven’t 
changed a whit.” 

As soon as Tom could get in a word he 
introduced his wife to his old roommate at 
college, Larry Lord. 

“ Zounds! I didn’t know you were a family 
man. Hadn’t heard that you were a benedict. 
Thought the young lady here might be that 
kid sister, Kate, that used to write such 
* touching ’ letters to you whenever a pet cat 
died, or some one killed one of her dogs. 

12 


CHAPTER TWO 


Come, tell me how long you have been mar- 
ried, and all about yourself in general.” 

Drawing a chair out he took a seat with 
them. Flora, covered with blushes at being 
discovered (all brides delight in hiding the 
fact), entered into the conversation with a 
jolly zest that pleased Tom beyond words. 
He showed how proud he was of his beautiful 
wife. He could see that Larry was admiring 
his choice. 

“ What have you two planned for the 
evening? I insist that you put yourselves in 
my hands. I will try to show you some of 
the charms of the only Chicago. You see, 
Tom, old boy, I have had my shingle hang- 
ing out here for the past five years, and things 
have come my way pretty lively. I am now 
sitting on the shady side of Easy Street. No 
place like old Chicago. You better come here 
and start life with your beautiful young wife 
to aid. There is no telling what you might 
do.” 

“ Oh, thanks awfully, old friend, but I am 
doing well in Salem. The old town is looking 
up a bit. I have a romantic idea of ful- 
filling all the hopes my father and mother 
13 


THE ACCUSED 


had for me. You know I have gone in for 
politics. My friends assure me that I will be 
their next mayor, and I will try to make them 
proud of doing me the honour. Step by 
step, I will try to reach the top.” 

So Flora heard her husband give utterance 
to his ambition. Little did he think how she 
could aid him. In her own mind she was 
vowing allegiance to his political ambition, 
wondering how she could help him. 

The week went quickly. Larry proved 
himself a prince of good fellows. He was 
proud to introduce his old friend and his bride 
into the most exclusive set. Flora was ad- 
mired beyond words, and men were always in 
her train. She knew just what to say to 
flatter their vanity. She knew just how much 
wine to sip. In fact, she was already begin- 
ning to be a politician’s wife. She must be 
agreeable to all, partial to none. Was there 
ever a young head filled with so much that 
was to be done? At night when she slept 
she dreamed ambitious dreams. Her whole 
soul was fed on ambition. Tom, in his quiet 
way, showed his love for her in all things. 
He little dreamed of the castles Flora built. 

14 


CHAPTER TWO 

The day for leaving Chicago had come. 
Larry was giving them a dinner at his club. 
He was regretting to say good-bye to his 
friends. This week was one of unalloyed 
happiness. He looked at the wife of his 
friend, wondering why he could not be as 
fortunate. He had money, position, every- 
thing to offer, but had not yet found a 
woman that suited him half so well. When 
the dinner was over, Tom turned to Larry, 
saying, “ Now, old pal, come to see us in our 
home. We will show you then what life in a 
small town means.” 

“ Yes,” Flora joined in, “ Mr. Lord, we 
will look forward to your visit with great 
pleasure. I can promise you a good time. 
Kate knows how to make one enjoy every 
minute. You may do as I did on my visit, 
make up your mind to call it home. I was 
not long in Salem before I had a longing in 
my heart that Tom only could quiet. So here 
I am on my way back there to live and be 
happy.” 

“ I will tell you one thing, Mrs. West. If 
you will find some one there who will be as 
proud of me as you are of Tom, I will do 
15 


THE ACCUSED 

my best to win their consent to live in 
Chicago.” 

Shaking hands and promising visits, Tom 
and Flora were soon steaming away towards 
home. 

“ What a jolly good fellow Mr. Lord is! I 
like him. He is a true westerner, so whole- 
souled.” 

“ Yes, Larry is a genuine friend. Many a 
college chap has known his helping hand. He 
was one of the fortunate few, always had 
plenty of money to spend as he pleased. I 
am so glad he liked you. Flora. I must tell 
you how proud I was of my beautiful wife. 
Some day, dear, I shall he a rich man and 
my little Flora shall indulge all her extrava- 
gant fancies.” 

“ Tom dear, you know I have always had 
free access to father’s bank account. You 
must tell me just what our circumstances 
are. I must know. I want to live within 
your means. Folks must not say I am spend- 
ing more than you are able to allow. So 
many women get the blame for unpaid bills, 
when they are unaware of the fact. We 
must be honest with each other, and you 
16 


CHAPTER TWO 

must tell me what I am to have, be it little 
or much.” 

Who would have dreamed that this petted 
child of a doting father would think of the 
serious side of life? But she had begun as 
she wanted to go through life, trying to be 
a help to the man she loved. 

“ Now, little girl, you must not worry your 
head with business matters. We will get 
along nicely. I have a good law practice, 
some real estate, and a snug sum of cash in 
bank. I am not a poor man, neither am I 
rich, as wealth is counted in New York, but 
in Salem I am counted a rich man, and we 
will have no trouble keeping the wolf from the 
door. You must do as you please. I trust 
you implicitly.” 

By the time Salem was reached Tom and 
Flora were perfectly agreed on how they 
would live. When the train steamed into the 
little depot, Kate, with a crowd of friends, 
was waiting to welcome them home. 

“ Oh, dear, we thought you would never get 
here,” Kate exclaimed. Flora was hugged 
and kissed by the girls, the men were profuse 
in their welcome. 


17 


THE ACCUSED 


“ I tell you the bride and groom will have 
to get used to doing social stunts,” Kate said, 
“ for I never heard of so many card parties, 
receptions and even dances, all in your honour. 
Now, Mr. Tom West, you will find out what 
it means to have the prettiest wife in town, the 
women all enjoying her clothes, and the men 
worshipping her beauty. 

“ Just think, Flora dear, you and I have 
to smile at all the men in town, young and 
old, dance with good, bad and indifferent. 
You know Tom is running for mayor. I 
might as well tell you right now you must 
begin to count votes.” 

“ Why, I went horseback riding with that 
cross-eyed Ben Thomas, just because he con- 
trols more votes in his ward than all the others 
put together. And think of it! he has sent 
me flowers every day since, and I am booked 
for the church festival with him Wednesday 
night.” 

“ Flora, you may be sorry you got into this 
political family yet.” 

“ Oh, no I won’t. I like it. You just 
watch me. I will get many votes for Tom, 
you see if I don’t.” 


18 


CHAPTER THREE 


T OM WEST was elected mayor by an 
overwhelming majority, the biggest vic- 
tory a Democratic candidate had ever known. 
Many old gossips drank tea and discussed the 
election with knowing looks and raised eye- 
brows, in insinuating tones exclaiming, 
“Well! the men can’t resist that city wife of 
his. You know men are men the world over.” 

“ * They say ’ she just got out and asked 
men to vote for Tom, and those who were 
kinder on the fence promised. You know she 
dances, plays cards and believes that women 
should do anything they please.” 

“ Oh, men like to be with women that can 
keep pace with them, but when their own 
wives begin they soon call a halt. How can 
you ever imagine Tom West with a high and 
lofty city wife? ” 

“ Well, ‘ they say ’ she is the ruler. Poor 
Tom. And him always such a good plain 
man. Did you know he and Kate both go 
to the Episcopal Church now? ” 

19 


THE ACCUSED 


So poor Flora already was beginning to 
have thrusts that she would feel later. How 
little she dreamed of the construction Salem 
women were putting on her treatment of 
Tom’s friends. Her Tom, whose ambitions 
she adored. There was nothing she wouldn’t 
do to help him. He seemed so pleased when 
his friends admired his wife. How she studied 
the political questions of the day, so that she 
could talk intelligently on all that interested 
him. 

Their home was soon the rendezvous for 
the politicians and learned men who came 
that way. Tom was growing in favour with 
all. Already there was a current of influence 
toward his nomination for Governor. 

Living in Salem was a man of vast wealth 
and influence, with an exalted place among his 
townsmen. Somehow he had felt that Tom 
West stood in his way. He too coveted the 
Governor’s chair, and now more than ever 
since he saw that Tom West had friends who 
were beginning to talk quietly for him. 

Daniel Lane sat in his luxurious office 
thinking how to deal the blow that would 
turn the people to him. 

20 


CHAPTER THREE 

“ God ! He has the only woman I could 
ever love for his wife, and to walk off with 
this office! I will balk him if I lose my 
future. Think how that little dimpled wife 
of his repulses me. She is a shrewd one. 
While I talked to her, all looking on 
thought she was pleased with my attention, 
and she was giving me the devil for squeez- 
ing her hand at every opportunity. I told 
her that I would yet hold her in my arms 
and have all the kisses I craved. Didn’t her 
eyes flash! I will win that woman from Tom 
West or my name is not Dan Lane. My 
best card will be not to come out as his 
political opponent. I must lay low. I must 
see her often, above all I must be invited to 
his home. Ye gods! I will gain favour in 
her sight, in two years I will have her at 
my feet begging for mercy. She has said 
things to me no woman ever dared to say, 
and she shall pay me well for her inso- 
lence.” 

Dan Lane’s train of thought was inter- 
rupted by the entrance of the rector of his 
church, who smiled on Mr. Lane with his 
beaming countenance. Dan always headed the 

21 


THE ACCUSED 


charity funds, and his name was used in all 
mission and church work. 

“ Good-morning, Mr. Black, glad to see 
you. Take a chair. How are Mrs. Black and 
the boys?” 

“ Quite well, quite well, thank you, Mr. 
Lane. Just thought I would drop in and 
chat with you a few moments if you were 
at leisure. I am so much encouraged in my 
church work. I had the first meeting of my 
confirmation class last night. Now whom do 
you think was there? I couldn’t go by with- 
out telling you. Tom West and his sister 
Kate. I feel this is the work of Tom’s wife; 
a wonderful little woman, she is. She is 
always up and doing. Somehow everything 
seems to have taken on new life. She is 
always in her place at church. Her Sunday- 
school class is the banner class. I wonder 
more women don’t use their influence for 
good. Tom West is a lucky man. Lane, 
what do you think of the talk going around 
about Tom for the next governor? ” 

Striving to hide the look of annoyance he 
knew was on his face, he remarked, “ Well, 
I think West would make a fine governor. 


CHAPTER THREE 


He is of the people, and for the people, and 
there never breathed a truer Democrat.” 

“ Well, Mr. Lane, I am glad to hear you 
come out so straight for West. I heard a 
gentleman say to-day with your influence that 
we could send Tom West to Indianapolis two 
years from now.” 

Getting up, he held his hand out to Dan 
Lane saying, “ Mr. Lane, you must come out 
to service Sunday, and Mrs. Black wants you 
to come in for tea this afternoon. West and 
his wife will be stopping in.” 

“ Thank you kindly, and tell Mrs. Black 
her invitations alv/ays come at the right time. 
If there is anything I do enjoy it is a cup of 
Mrs. Black’s tea.” 

“ Good-day, sir, I will see you then this 
afternoon about five.” 

Closing the door Mr. Black disappeared 
down the street. Dan Lane lighted his cigar, 
and took a few puffs. 

“ It beats hell how the mention of that 
woman’s name thrills me. I must be careful 
not to let this community know how I hate 

Tom and what a d fool I am about his 

wife. Two years is a long time to wait, but 
23 


THE ACCUSED 


step by step I will work until she shall be 
mine, the little vixen. I will feed her on her 
husband’s ambition. She knows what I can 
do, and ye gods ! she shall feel what I will do.” 


U 


CHAPTER FOUR 


E RE many days went by, Dan Lane was 
the constant companion and trusted 
friend of Tom West. They were seen to- 
gether day after day, and West was now 
confidential advisor and counsel for Lane, the 
wealthiest man in that section of the country. 
Lane was a frequent visitor in the West home. 
Kate West had gone abroad with some friends 
to spend a year, so Flora found she had to 
entertain her husband’s friends without his 
lively sister. As Tom was putting on his 
overcoat with Flora’s help, he said to her, 
“You must look your very best to-night, 
dear. Lane and his friend Burns are coming 
to dinner with us. You know Burns is our 
congressman. I don’t know what I would do 
without my ‘ political partner.’ That’s what 
you are, Flora. It seems to me you always 
know how to make things right. You have 
won over some of those who were most op- 
posed to me.” 


25 


THE ACCUSED 

“ Oh, Tom dear, am I indeed a help? I do 
want to be. I am as anxious as you are for 
the people to vote you into their highest seat 
of honour.” 

As he kissed her good-bye the postman’s 
ring sounded long and loud. 

“Wait, dear, just one minute; I know I 
must have a line from father.” Hanging to 
the door she took the letters, glancing over 
them quickly. “ No, none from New York; 
but Tom, here is a great big fat one from 
Chicago; I think it must be from that dear 
fellow, Larry Lord.” 

Tom tore the envelope and read quickly: 

“ Tom, old boy, I expect to be in 
Salem Wednesday, on my way to In- 
dianapolis. Big deal in sight. Make 
your plans so I can have you to myself. 
Think I have something under my hat 
that you may see fit to go in. At any 
rate will give you the chance to get rich 
quick. Best regards to your beautiful 
wife. I hope she has not ceased to call 
me friend. Good-bye until Wednesday, 
2 P.M. 

“ Yours, 

“ Larry Lord.” 

26 


CHAPTER FOUR 

“Well! That is good news. We will be 
more than happy to have Larry with us. I 
am sure my little Flora can make our wel- 
come all he would have it. Good-bye again, 
dear, I am a little late. Lane always excuses 
me, says if you were his wife he would give 
up business and stay with you, or take you 
around with him to make his friends envy 
him. Funny fellow, Dan. So long, I will 
be at home near five.” 

Flora watched her husband board the car. 
Why was it she could not tell her husband 
not to trust Dan Lane? Why was she com- 
pelled to entertain him? She knew what he 
was, but would it ruin Tom’s career if she 
complained? Was Dan Lane sincere in his 
professions of friendship for Tom? How 
could he say the things to her he did if he 
was really loyal? What was it Dan Lane 
held over her head? She felt in his pres- 
ence that something terrible was about to 
happen. Whenever she was alone with him 
he assumed such a confidential attitude. Once 
he even kissed her bare neck as they were 
passing through a dark hall, leaving the con- 
servatory. When she remonstrated with him 
27 


THE ACCUSED 


he seemed to feel so sorry that he had of- 
fended her. He now called her “ Flora ” 
when talking to her alone. As her thoughts 
flew over the past few months, she could see 
so many things that she knew in her own heart 
were not what they should be, yet she knew 
an open rupture between Tom West and Dan 
Lane meant defeat for Tom. At last she 
walked into the library, gazing into the flames. 
She spoke aloud: 

“ Now, it will be game for game. I will 
play your game, Dan Lane, for everything 
there is in it. I will never be the cause of 
my husband losing in this race. I know this 
is a dangerous game I am playing, but Tom 
dealt me the cards, and I shall play them 
with a clear head. From now on it is a 
woman against Dan Lane. He has ruled the 
people for years, he shall support my hus- 
band in this fight. Last night he told me 
that the man who was thinking of running 
against Tom had been his bosom friend for 
years, a man of his own age, a smart man, 
and one who had held offices of trust. That 
every day friends were trying to get him to 
come to his support. Can I ever forget how 
28 


CHAPTER FOUR 

he looked when he said in his low, insinuating 
way, ‘ But you know, Flora, you can always 
count on me.’ Oh, the horrors of it! Why 
can’t a man be a man, come out for or against 
a man, declare his principles, stand for what 
he believes to be right, and vote for the man 
he knows would best serve the people? Why 
must some selfish or fiendish motive control 
their influence? ” 

As Flora left the room she seemed older, 
more determined in some task she had to per- 
form. All day she busied herself with house- 
hold duties. She thought often of Larry, and 
was sorry that Kate could not be here to 
enjoy his visit. 

“ Oh, how I miss dear Kate, but her letters 
are so full of what she is doing and seeing 
that I should be glad she is having such a 
glorious trip. Oh, how I do need her, bless 
her! She is older and wiser than I.” 

When the clock pointed to five, Flora sur- 
veyed herself in the glass before going down 
to meet her husband and his two friends. 
What she saw was pleasing to her. The blond 
hair piled high on her head was a crown of 
gold. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes 
29 


THE ACCUSED 


bright. She was dressed in a becoming gown 
of light blue cloth that fitted the exquisite 
figure like a glove. As she heard the voices 
in the hall, with one last glance she held her 
head aloft and said, “ Now, Flora West, this 
hour you are the wife of Tom West, politician. 
You are in the game to win. Play your cards 
well.” Going down she found her husband 
and Dan Lane comfortably seated and dis- 
cussing some interesting question, as they did 
not seem to see her enter. Standing in front 
of her father’s portrait was a tall, grey- 
bearded man. His side face was turned to 
her, but she knew she had seen that man 
before. Where was it? All three noticed her 
presence at once. Tom hurried to her, saying, 
“ Flora, I want you to meet one of your 
father’s old friends, Judge Burns, of Indian- 
apolis. He was one of your father’s boyhood 
and college friends. When he accepted my 
invitation, to dine, he was not aware that this 
happy surprise awaited him.” 

Giving both her hands to the old gentle- 
man, she made him feel that he was not only 
a welcome but an honoured guest. After 
shaking hands with Mr. Lane, Flora devoted 
30 i 


CHAPTER FOUR 

her entire time to Judge Burns, who seemed 
much interested in the accounts she gave of 
her father and his life. Flora grew eloquent 
when speaking of that home she loved, and 
sometimes longed for. 

“ Oh, yes, we are looking for father this 
summer, to make a long visit. No, he has 
never been west, and I am sure he will enjoy 
himself here. The people are so kind, so 
whole-souled, I love them. In fact I feel 
this is home, and I will never he happy until 
father comes to make his home with us. I 
know he misses me more than he ever admits. 
Judge, how long since you have seen father? ” 

“Well, well! Let me see. I have not 
seen Walter Gray for more than twenty 
years. I left New York before the war, and 
Walter and I were boys. My father came 
west, then at the age of twenty I was sent 
east, to college, to Princeton, and Walter was 
in my class. I have not seen Walter for more 
than twenty-five years if I remember right. I 
have not seen him since we had our farewell 
spree in New York the night I left for this 
country.” 

“ Judge, do you know, I feel all the time 

31 


THE ACCUSED 


as if I have seen you, or knew you, before, 
but it may be that' you remind me of father. 
Have you a family? ” 

A sadness came upon him, and looking far 
off through the window he answered, “ Yes, 
child, I have a family. My wife is an invalid, 
and has been for years. My daughter is on 
the stage, my two sons are in the navy. You 
see I have a family, but I am a lonely man. 
My winters are spent in Washington where 
I am a busy man. The summer is passed 
looking after business of my own. How 
happy you should be here. Your husband is 
the coming man of this country. I have been 
all over the state, and everywhere he is spoken 
of with honour. He is gaining the people. 
The only objection I have to him we are on 
opposite sides of every political issue. You 
know I am as staunch a Republican as he is 
a Democrat, but we will be friends. I admire 
him for his perfect faith in his own ideas.” 

Flora and Judge Burns talked on until the 
butler announced dinner. She and the judge 
led the way to the dining room. When the 
four were seated conversation flowed freely. 
Torn was never prouder of his young wife. 

32 


CHAPTER FOUR 

Wit and repartee were exchanged among 
them, and the Judge openly admired the bril- 
liant woman. Dan Lane smiled on her as 
usual, always throwing a compliment her way. 
The dessert was brought, and soon cigars 
were lighted. As they left the room, Tom 
took Judge Burns by the arm and walked 
ahead as Flora and Lane were looking at a 
new punch bowl Flora had just received from 
her father. He whispered, “ How beautiful 
my little Flora is to-night. I was quite 
jealous of my friend Burns.” 

“ You didn’t show it,” she said quickly, 
with flushed face. 

“ I didn’t dare. I kept Tom busy talking. 
I wanted you to feel that I was his friend. 
It is an important thing we have to do now, 
Flora. You must help me. I am to choose in 
the next few days between the friend of a 
lifetime, my father’s friend, the man that 
started me on the road to success — I am to 
choose between him and — you — you, Flora. 
Not Tom. It is for you that I will give up 
all. Promise me that you will look kindly on 
me, not turn from me in disgust as you have 
always done. Promise that you will share 
33 


THE ACCUSED 


your smiles, your love. Oh, Flora, I love you 
more than my God! More than gold or am- 
bition. Tom loves his ambition, he is proud 
of you as a toy, he owns you. You know his 
one idea is to be governor of this state. He 
would sell himself, he would give everything 
he possesses to occupy the governor’s chair. 
Let me tell you something, Flora, you can do 
this thing for him; will you?” 

As his words poured out, one sentence of 
love for her after the other, she was hot and 
cold by turns, trying to compose herself. 

“ Why, Mr. Lane, you must have had just 
one too many, didn’t you? ” 

“ No, no. Since the first time I set eyes on 
you I have had your face before me. The 
more you repulsed me the more determined 
I was to be near you. As the days went on 
I found out it was love that I felt for you. 
The night you asked me if I wasn’t going to 
vote for Tom for mayor, and I told you you 
could buy my vote with a kiss, the things you 
said to me then have never left my mind one 
minute. Now, I want to tell you that one 
week from to-day I must know, and from 
you, whether I make the nominating speech 
34 


CHAPTER FOUR 


for Tom West of Salem for governor, or for 
Jeff Wilson of Indianapolis. You, Flora, 
must control my influence.” 

By the time the library was reached Flora 
tried to be her bright self, but she grew pale 
and red by turns. 

“ Are you feeling ill, dear? ” Tom asked, 
as she sat quietly listening, and trying to 
make up her mind what to do. 

“ No, no; I was just listening to you gentle- 
men, and wishing I was a man.” 

“ Would you be a politician, Mrs. West? ” 
Dan Lane asked. 

“ Oh, I don’t know. Wait until this fall, 
then I will tell you. You know you may hold 
a .hand full of trumps in this game, and unless 
you have the joker the whole game is lost.” 

“ Why, Flora, what do you mean? ” Tom 
asked. 

“ Just this, dear: you may have the good- 
will and the votes of the best men, the trumps, 
in the state. There may be one man with a 
great deal of money, just one man, who em- 
ploys a great many people. He has a wide 
influence. He is the joker, the high card. 
If you can’t play him, the game is lost. So 
35 


THE ACCUSED 


you see, dear, you must hold this high card 
to be the winner.” 

“ Oh, but my wife is beginning to be a real 
live philosopher. She begins to think things 
out.” 

Dan Lane sat with a queer look on his 
face. As he and the Judge were saying good- 
night, he found a chance to say to Flora, “ I 
am the joker in the game, hey? Mind, you 
play me in the right place.” 

When Tom and Flora went to their room 
both were quiet. The house was in darkness. 
Tom, sleeping, little dreamed of the terrible 
vision his young wife had floating through her 
mind. 


36 


CHAPTER FIVE 


W EDNESDAY morning dawned clear 
and bright. Flora, troubled in her 
own mind, gave no outward appearance of 
the dark forebodings of evil she felt. Tom 
seemed brighter than usual. It was plain to 
be seen he anxiously awaited Larry’s visit. 
The compliments he received daily were very 
pleasing to him. 

“ Now, what can we do to entertain 
Larry? I am sure my little wife can make 
his visit a happy holiday for him. After a 
business talk he seems bent on having, we shall 
throw dull care aside and let him see that we 
can be happy even though we are far away 
from New York and Chicago.” 

Flora smiled at Tom. Oh, how proud she 
was of him. How she loved him. “ Yes, we 
must do our best to convince him that love 
makes happiness. Oh, Tom dear, how I do 
miss Kate ! How I wish she were here. I am 
sure she and Larry Lord would be the best 
37 


THE ACCUSED 


of friends. Who knows but what they might 
really fall in love? ” 

“ Why, is my little Flora turning into a 
matchmaker? To he sure we miss Kate, but 
you know I am selfish enough to be glad she 
is prolonging her trip, for I have you all to 
myself, and when she is here you two are so 
chummy that I often feel a little jealous.” 

“ Now, isn’t that funny? I didn’t think 
you ever felt the least tiny- weeny bit jealous 
of me,” she said as she came close to him, lay- 
ing her head on his shoulder. 

“ Oh, I don’t of any one but Kate.” 

“ Tom, I never have known what the feel- 
ing of jealousy meant until lately; I do feel 
j ealous of your great ambition. I even imagine 
(I know it is imagination) that you think more 
of ambition than you do of me. Don’t you 
know, dear, how we used to spend our even- 
ings together? Now I so seldom have you to 
myself, always some man, whose influence you 
must have. Oh, my husband, give it up for 
me, your little Flora, who loves you better 
than life. Take up your law practice. Let’s 
live a quiet life. Let’s be as we were when I 
first came. Tom, Tom, give it up, I implore 
38 


CHAPTER FIVE 


you, to-day, now! Write an article thanking 
your friends for all they have done and would 
do for you, but that a political career is not 
what appeals to you. Now, how happy we 
will be, dear. Oh, Tom! I love you so, I 
feel that if you enter this race for governor, 
our happiness is at stake.” 

She was almost exhausted when she finished 
this appeal. She looked up at her husband, 
his face set and cold, the first time she had 
ever seen that cruel expression. Pushing her 
from him, he said in a constrained voice, “ So 
you beg me to leave the race, you whose help, 
whose counsel I relied on. What has changed 
you in so short a time? Only a few weeks 
ago, even last night, you seemed quite hopeful 
of my election. I am sure I can think of no 
cause that should change you so quickly.” 

“ Oh, Tom, my love for you! I want you 
to myself. I can’t bear to think of sharing 
you with the people. You have almost given 
me up now. What you will do in the next 
few months I can’t tell.” 

“ Listen, Flora. I don’t wish to hear any 
more of this foolish cant of love. Ambition 
is everything! If you loved me as you say 
39 


THE ACCUSED 


you do, you would be the last human being 
to say, ‘ Give up the race.’ I know what ails 
you. You are afraid I will lose and your 
pride will be injured.” 

Realizing that he had spoken harshly for 
the first time to his wife, he grew more gen- 
tle, saying, “ Dan Lane says that I shall win. 
What Lane says in Indiana is pretty sure to 
go. There are a dozen men after his influ- 
ence now, so cheer up, little wife. You shall 
be the envy of all the official family in Indian- 
apolis, and think how your father will an- 
nounce with pride that Flora’s husband has 
just been elected governor of the greatest 
state in the west.” Kissing the tears away, he 
bade her good-bye, saying, “ Larry and I will 
talk our affairs over at the office, so when we 
get home you shall be our only subject. Now, 
dear, if I was cross, forgive me, for it was a 
shock to think you were not as happy and as 
ambitious as I. For all my life it has been my 
dream. When a little barefooted boy, sweep- 
ing the crossings for pennies, selling papers, 
doing every odd job I could find to earn 
money so I could go to school, I built my 
castles, I laid my plans. My people were 
40 


CHAPTER FIVE 

good and honest, but poor. I worked my 
way through school, and came back home to 
live among my own people. It seemed to 
me they aided me with smiles of approval. 
When father died, and a little later mother 
joined him, I was left with baby Kate, 
only ten years old. I struggled against the 
call of public life. I gave to her all I could. 
As my practice increased and I reached out 
far from Salem, I knew that I must enter 
the public arena. For a time, Flora darling, 
my love for you engrossed every thought. 
After we were married and I had you secure, 
I again was filled with ambition. Now, dear 
little wife, be my inspiration. With your 
help I will surmount every obstacle.” 

Clasping her to his breast he kissed her fore- 
head, saying, “No more doubts and fears, 
little wife.” 

Hurriedly leaving the room Tom was on 
his way to his office, but his was a heavy heart. 
He saw the eager face begging him to give 
up the race. “ Pshaw! What ails the child? ” 

He was soon lost in the numerous letters 
of business, almost forgetting this was the day 
for Larry to arrive. He suddenly looked at 
41 


THE ACCUSED 


his watch. Ten minutes to one, and Larry’s 
train due at two-thirty. “ I will just finish 
this pile here, then for something to eat. I 
guess I will go home for lunch. Somehow I 
can’t feel just right over this morning’s little 
affair. I wonder if the ‘ first cross spell ’ 
always leaves such a bitter taste. Anyway 
I don’t like to feel this way. I will go right 
now to Flora. I do want her to be as bright 
and happy while Larry is with us as she was 
when he saw us nearly two years ago.” 


CHAPTER SIX 


W HEN Tom West alighted from the 
car, he saw Dan Lane leaving the 
door. They met at the gate. 

“Hello, Tom! I was passing by and 
thought I would step in a few moments and 
have a chat with the wife. You know I 
didn’t like the way she talked about the com- 
ing campaign. She wanted me to get you 
out of it all. Somehow I want you to make 
the fight. I feel sure you will come out of 
the struggle in glowing colours.” 

Lane talked rapidly. Tom thanked him 
for the interest he was taking, insisting upon 
him turning back for lunch. 

“ No, no. I must go to the club. Some 
out-of-town fellows there. You see I must 
not lose an opportunity to say a good word 
for you. Everything counts now. Say, West, 
why can’t you and the wife come down to the 
hotel to dinner with me to-night? She told 
me you had a friend coming from Chicago. 
I will be delighted to have him too.” 

43 


THE ACCUSED 


“ Thanks, old fellow, but Flora has pre- 
pared for dinner at home. You see she is 
quite anxious that my friends know what a 
delightful housewife she is. You must join 
us. Am sure Flora would be happy to 
have you, and you must meet Larry Lord. 
He is a prince of good fellows. I will say 
to Flora that you will be with us. Good- 
day.” 

“ Good-day.” 

Lane was trying hard to make excuses for 
his visit, and to give Flora time to compose 
herself before Tom entered. It was a stormy 
scene he had gone through with Mrs. Tom 
West. He was not counting on seeing her 
husband for some hours to come. He knew 
Tom seldom came home to lunch now, so was 
a little abashed at meeting him. Flora had 
seen the two talking. Summoning all her 
nerve, she stood in front of her father’s pic- 
ture, with hands extended, asking help. She 
exclaimed: “ Oh, my daddy! Dear daddy, 
forgive your little girl. She has lost the fight, 
but it was for Tom. I will help now, he will 
win, but his wife’s honour seems to be the 
price of the office. What a dear price to 
44 


CHAPTER SIX 


pay! ” Turning from the eyes that seem to 
pity her, this heart-broken woman went with 
smiles on her face to meet the man she had 
promised to “ love, honour and obey.” 

“Ho, ho! My little wife has been besieg- 
ing Lane to forsake me, has she? Burns 
told me he thought it advisable to give you a 
good talk. Did he convince you that the 
people want me, and that I am the man for 
the people, little girl ? ” 

“ Yes, yes, Tom, he did, and now we will 
forget that I was ever foolish and tried to 
persuade you differently. I guess I was just 
trying to see what my persuasive powers 
would do. Anyway, dear, you may now rely 
on me, I will leave no stone unturned to insure 
your election.” 

Going to the cosy dining-room, she walked 
to the side-board, poured two glasses of wine, 
and handed one to her husband. Holding 
hers high in an almost reckless way, she said, 
“ Let’s drink to Tom West, the next governor 
of Indiana.” 

They drank, then Tom filled the glasses 
again, saying, “ To the wife of Tom West, 
who leads him on to victory.” 

45 


THE ACCUSED 


Flora was so bright through lunch that 
Tom remarked it. 

“ I shall have Lane stop in often. I think 
he knows how to show you things in the 
proper light. By the way, he will be here 
for dinner to-night. He wanted us to join 
him, but I enjoy having my friends here. 
You know I am proud of showing them my 
wife.” 

“ Oh, Tom dear, I am sorry Mr. Lane 
comes to-night. I just wanted to be to our- 
selves with Larry this once.” Seeing the 
cloud passing over Tom’s face. Flora quickly 
said, “ Well, I know we will have a jolly even- 
ing, and I will do my best to show Larry that 
you, dear, have made no mistake in bringing 
to a close your bachelor days.” 

As lunch progressed, Flora unfolded her 
plans of entertainment for his friends. 

“ I have decided on a dance Friday even- 
ing. You know all the prettiest girls dance. 
What girl does not look her very best in her 
ball-room frills? I want Larry to see our 
girls at their best. You, of course, will take 
him to your club to meet your friends, and 
with drives and horseback rides I am sure 
46 


CHAPTER SIX 


his will be a jolly week. I was thinking, 
dear, of inviting Marian Lea to spend the 
week with us. She is so bright and lively, 
can entertain the worst stick that has ever 
been in town. Am sure she and Larry will 
be chummy.” 

“ Certainly, dear, I think that a capital 
idea. Am sure we will enjoy Marian.” Tom 
broke into a laugh. “So you are not the 
least bit jealous of my old flame, are you dear? 
You know Marian was picked out for me 
ere she dropped her dresses to her shoe-tops. 
After four years spent in an eastern school 
I think all Salem was a little disappointed 
because neither Marian or myself could see 
things as they did. She is a great girl, and 
I am glad you and she have become such warm 
friends. Say, Flora, why don’t you try to 
make a match between she and Dan 
Lane? ” 

“ Tom, you are making fun now, but I 
will tell you a secret. Marian told me she 
could not endure Dan Lane. She simply 
hates him, but on her father’s account she is 
polite to him. You know Judge Lea has his 
eye on a federal appointment, and Marian is 
47 


THE ACCUSED 


a politician. She will work Dan Lane for his 
influence, you see if she don’t.” 

“ Tut, tut, Flora. I am really shocked to 
hear you give utterance to such stuff. The 
Lanes and Leas have always been friends, and 
Dan would stand by the judge, no matter 
what opinion Marian should hold of him. In 
fact. Lane is too much of a man to allow a 
woman to influence his vote and political 
affairs.” 

“Oh! Do you think so, Tom? ” 

“ I certainly do, Flora, but we must be off 
to meet Larry. It is almost train time. I 
thought you would like to go to the train to 
say * howdy do? then we would go to the of- 
fice, and you could come home. I know he will 
expect to see you when he hops off the train.” 

“ But, Tom dear, I am not dressed, and 
you haven’t time to wait. You know I didn’t 
expect you for lunch. You go, dear, and 
come home as early as you can, and I will do 
my very best to look my prettiest and smile 
my sweetest.” 

“ I am sorry, Flora, but I will make ex- 
cuses to Larry. Good-bye, I will come just 
as soon as I can.” 


48 


CHAPTER SEVEN 


“T ANE is too much of a man to allow 
1 J a woman to influence his vote or his 
political affairs.” 

As Flora stood in her own room she spoke 
these words her husband had just uttered, 
aloud. 

“ Oh, Tom, if you only knew that man as I 
know him. You have put me in his power; 
your own words accusing me of lack of am- 
bition for you decided me. Dan Lane knew 
what I meant when I told you to play the 
game of politics you must hold the joker. 
Can I ever forget this morning; his horrible 
kisses still burn my cheek. Oh, God! Have 
mercy on my soul! I have placed myself in 
this man’s power, but I believe now that ere 
this game is over I shall hate my husband and 
become a reckless woman. I feel there are 
none to help me, even father. He admonishes 
me to treat my husband’s friends with great 
respect; that Tom is the coming man of the 
49 


THE ACCUSED 


west and much depends upon his wife. Oh, 
father! If you could only know how much 
depends upon his wife. Back, tears, you are 
for a woman with a heart and soul. I have 
turned my heart into the great white rock 
called ambition. The sacred place where my 
soul did abide is now filled with one great 
desire, CAREER. Tom West’s career. 
Soon all the papers will be filled with stories 
of his life, his early struggles and battles 
with poverty. How, by his will power he 
won the people, his wonderful achievements 
in his law practice, his force of character 
that compelled recognition by all. They will 
even speak of his great majority when elected 
mayor of his town. His home fife will be 
aired, the devoted son and brother and his 
marriage three years ago to the daughter of 
Judge Walter Gray of New York.” 

As Flora paced the floor, muttering aloud 
all these things she knew would be blazoned 
to the world, she flung herself upon a couch. 
She almost screamed in her rage. 

“Oh, God! oh, God! But it will not tell 
that his wife has sacrificed all to gratify him 
in the thing he holds above all else. On my 
50 


CHAPTER SEVEN 


knees I pleaded with that monster (man, Tom 
calls him) to let his friendship for Tom appeal 
to his honour not to consider me. I want to 
die when I think of his answer. Yes, I have 
almost lost, but I will fight a good fight to 
the end. I have his written promise that at 
the meeting called by the business men’s 
league Dan Lane will present Tom West’s 
name for governor; that he will support him 
and do all in his power to win for him the 
coveted seat. The price I pay for the 
promise ” 

Throwing herself among the pillows she 
sobbed aloud. She was not conscious how 
long she remained there. A knock on the 
door brought her to her feet. The faithful 
servant who had come from her father’s house 
wanted to know something of the arrange- 
ments for dinner. Seeing her mistress’ 
swollen eyelids and flaming cheeks, she ex- 
claimed : 

“ Are you ill, Miss Flora? Let me do 
something for you.” 

“ Yes, Lizzie, I have a dreadful headache, 
but it will be all right. I will come with you 
and tell you about the dinner.” 

51 


THE ACCUSED 


“ Don’t, Miss Flora; trust to me. I know 
I can please you. Lie down and let me bathe 
your face. Oh, dear, oh, dear! and Mr. West 
so anxious for you to look your best to-night.” 

Flora insisted on going downstairs. She 
busied herself with preparation for her guest. 
His room was in perfect order. Coming back 
to her own room she began laying out her 
daintiest garments. 

“ I will take unusual care with my toilet 
to-night. No one shall dream of the change 
in Flora Gray that has taken place in these 
past few days. To-night Larry Lord will 
find Mrs. Tom West quite as pleasing as at 
our first meeting. If Dan Lane were only 
not dining with us. I so fear that I may by 
some look or word show how I hate him. I 
will keep a tight rein on myself. He shall 
not see me show any sign of this morning’s 
scene. How I hate you, Dan Lane! I know 
you now, you villain, but you will not find me 
quite so easy to mould as you think. I will 
watch every move you make, and think by the 
time this race for governor is over you will 
find out that a woman is a dangerous thing, 
when she hates.” 


52 


CHAPTER SEVEN 


Ten minutes later Flora stood in the draw- 
ing-room, smiling her welcome to Larry 
Lord, gaily talking to her husband and Mr. 
Lane. No one would have thought her 
heart was heavy, or that trouble was near 
her. 

“We are so happy, Larry, to have you. 
Tom and I have been looking forward to this 
visit with genuine pleasure. The only thing 
we regret is dear Kate has not yet returned 
from abroad.” 

“ I am indeed sorry not to see Kate. I 
feel that I have known her since she was a 
little girl. You, Tom, were an exceptional 
brother. Kate’s was the picture that had the 
honoured place in his room, and Kate’s were 
the letters looked for twice a week. Many 
good laughs we have had over her letters. 
She certainly told the Salem news, from the 
latest birth and death to the number of kit- 
tens tabby had found in the barn. Once she 
wrote Tom that his best girl (I think her 
name was Marian Lea) had a very pretty 
dress, but she looked a sight in it, because it 
hiked up in front. A great girl was Kate. I 
am truly sorry not to really know her, but 
53 


THE ACCUSED 


I will be coming this way often I think, and 
hope to know her better yet.” 

“ I am so glad. Tom said something about 
you having business out here.” 

While Larry and Flora were busily en- 
gaged talking of all that had taken place in 
the last three years, Dan Lane had scarcely 
taken his eyes from Flora. He thought he 
had never seen her look so beautiful, so ani- 
mated. Why was she so interested in this 
Larry Lord? Where had she known him? 
He felt that he must join in the conversation. 
Going close to them, leaving Tom looking 
over a letter he had handed him to read, he 
said, “ Mrs. West, I must say you are look- 
ing your best to-night. I am sure I have 
never seen you look half so well. Your 
gown is a work of art, and you must have 
hidden somewhere here in your home a 
French hairdresser, for your coiffure is as 
artistic as I have ever seen, even in New 
York.” 

“ Thanks, Mr. Lane, but I have never 
indulged in the luxury of a hairdresser or a 
maid. I prefer to arrange my own hair, and 
do for myself what a lady’s maid is supposed 
54 


CHAPTER SEVEN 


to do.” Turning to Larry she said, “ Now 
don’t you like to see a woman do things for 
herself? ” 

“ Indeed I do, Flora.” 

“ Mr. Lane, Larry says Tom and I are to 
come to Chicago this winter, maybe for 
Christmas. I do hope we will. How I long 
for some of that gay life once more. Won’t 
we have jolly times? ” 

“ Well, Mrs. West, you will get quite 
enough gay life when you go to Indianapolis 
to live. You will carry the official set by 
storm. I am afraid you will never be satis- 
fied to come back to staid old Salem. You 
will then be laying plans for Washington. I 
know you women.” 

Flora was struggling hard to keep her face 
smiling, and not show how she was burning 
up with hate for this man who dared to speak 
so. Turning to him she made an effort to 
speak with ease. “ Mr. Lane, is that the im- 
pression I have made here after living among 
you for three years? I will tell you that the 
happiest days of my life have been spent here 
in Salem. The day I leave this dear home 
will be the very bitterest day I will ever know. 

55 


THE ACCUSED 

iYou know women love home, men love am- 
bition.” 

Larry caught her arm and speaking in a 
gentle tone said, “ Flora, do you dread the 
life to come so much? ” 

“ Oh, no, Larry; it is the grief for the days 
that have passed.” 

Tom was standing near. He was a silent 
witness to the little scene. The gong sounded, 
all trace of sorrow had fled. Dan watched 
Flora as she gracefully presided at the table, 
talking to them all, giving each one a smile 
that seemed the sweetest. The dinner over, 
Larry and Tom were deeply engaged in a 
business talk. Flora sat looking at a maga- 
zine. 

“ Won’t you come into the conservatory 
with me? There is something I must say to 
you.” 

She looked at him coldly. “No, I can- 
not, to-night. I am entertaining my hus- 
band’s guests. You may sit here and talk to 
me if you choose.” 

Seating himself, he whispered, “ My beauti- 
ful darling, I am mad with jealousy. What 
is this man to you that he can call you 
56 


CHAPTER SEVEN 

‘Flora’? I will do something desperate if 
you don’t show me that you care for me a 
little.” 

“ Mr. Lane, you are entirely aware of 
our understanding of each other. I have not 
hidden my hand. I am to receive you, I am 
to show to the world that you are my hus- 
band’s trusted friend. You in return are to 
bring all your powers to bear in Tom’s be- 
half. When he wins the race, then we will 
make our plans, but now there is nothing 
for either. We are tools in the hands of 
Tom West. Three years ago I took the 
vows to obey. I simply am doing his bid- 
ding.” 

“ Flora dear, why are you so hard? Can’t 
you see I love you better than everything? 
I would give up the whole world for you, just 
to call you mine. It is the ambition of my 
life.” 

“ Hush, hush! You have promised not to 
speak like this to me until all is won. Then 
I will tell you what I will do.” Poor Flora 
felt herself growing nervous. Must she fail 
here? No, no. She must be brave. Why 
was she so beset, what had she done? 

57 


THE ACCUSED 


“ Come, Mr. Lane, let’s join Tom and 
Larry in the library.” 

“ Wouldn’t you like to play me a game of 
billiards? I think you have me bested by three 
games. You know it must never be said that 
Dan Lane let a woman win any game from 
him.” 

Larry watched them at their game. What 
ails Flora? She is all excitement. He felt 
something was wrong. Why couldn’t her hus- 
band read her as well as this man who had 
only been with her a week, three years ago? 
Throwing the cue down, she laughingly said, 
“ Well, we are even now.” 

“ Just one more, Mrs. West,” Lane 
said. 

“ No, not to-night.” 

Taking a cigar from his pocket and passing 
one to Larry, Lane, after insisting upon see- 
ing Larry often at his office, bade them good- 
night. 

When the door closed upon him, what a 
feeling of relief Flora had. 

“ Larry, how do you like Mr. Lane? He 
is the most sought after man in this part of 
the country. What he says generally is law 
58 


CHAPTER SEVEN 

here. When you want anything, go to Dan 
Lane and get it. To offend him would mean 
to die in ignominy.” She was not aware of 
the contemptuous tone of voice in which she 
was speaking. 

“ I thought you liked him very much, 
Flora.” 

“ You did? I am so glad; you know he is 
Tom’s best friend.” 

When Larry was in his room that night he 
was haunted by Flora’s manner of speaking 
of Dan Lane. 

“ There is something wrong here, poor 
little girl. I feel she is in deep trouble. I 
will see if I can find out. I wonder if Tom 
has given more time to politics than to his 
beautiful wife? He is somewhat changed, he 
is deeply engrossed in this campaign, and that 
may he the reason of his seeming indiffer- 
ence.” ‘ 

Larry’s dreams were not pleasant ones. 
They were full of Tom and Flora. She 
seemed to be begging him to help her through 
some terrible trouble. When he was awakened 
early, before the house was astir, he felt 
relieved that night was gone. Taking his time 
59 


THE ACCUSED 


dressing, he hummed several pretty airs of 
popular songs. “No use talking, I must have 
them in Chicago this fall or winter. What in 
the devil does Tom want to be in the political 
pot for, anyway? He has a fine practice, 
beautiful home, and it seems to me I would 
rather be at home with Flora than to be rac- 
ing over the country seeking an office that 
will not pay as much as my private practice. 
If he was an old bachelor like me, it would 
not matter.” With a scratch of a match and 
a glance in the glass to see if his tie was cor- 
rect, he gave a few puffs at a cigarette and 
went whistling down the stairs. The postman 
had left the mail. Finding several letters for 
himself, he was seated reading them when 
Flora and Tom appeared. She looked a little 
tired, but said she was quite well. Tom read 
his letters quietly. 

“ Oh, I have one from father. He wants 
me to come home for thanksgiving. May I 
go, Tom? ” There was almost pleading in 
her tone. 

“ Of course, if you wish.” 

“ Then I shall write to him at once. How 
father will plan for my visit. Just think, 
60 


CHAPTER SEVEN 

Larry, I haven’t been home since I was 
married.” 

Breakfast was announced. While the men 
were interested in conversation, Flora was 
thinking of home. 

“ Oh, my dear old ‘ Dad-dear.’ You don’t 
know how I long to throw my arms around 
you and tell you everything, everything.” 

“ Flora, you haven’t said a word for ten 
minutes. Are you dreaming? ” 

“ Yes, Tom, I was dreaming of all the 
things I have to tell ‘ Dad.’ I am to go just 
as soon as the election is over, am I not? ” 

The men lighted cigars and left for town. 
Flora still sat at the table, dreaming. 


61 


CHAPTER EIGHT 


T HE days passed quickly. The time for 
Larry to leave was here. Flora had 
thrown all herself into this week of gaiety. 
Marian and Larry had seemed to understand 
each other from the beginning. Dan Lane 
was on his dignity, doing many pleasing 
things to entertain their guests. True, Tom 
was little with them, but Flora was schooling 
herself to get along without him. He had 
so much to do, so many to see. 

“ Flora, Dan will go with you to the recep- 
tion,” or “ Dan will take you to the ball, I 
have been suddenly called out of town,” was 
so often said to her now that she accepted his 
escort without any show of the irritation she 
felt. 

“ How I hate to leave you. I have had 
such a delightful visit with you. When are 
you coming to Chicago?” Larry was saying, 
as he stood ready to bid them good-bye. 

“ You may look for us this winter Larry, 
62 


CHAPTER EIGHT 


just as soon as I find out where I stand,” 
Tom said, “ I think we both need a change. 
Flora will feel the excitement of the next 
three months more than she thinks. You 
know, Larry, I believe all women enter into 
these things with a zest that a man knows 
nothing of.” 

“ Well, old fellow, you have my best wishes 
and congratulations in advance. I feel sure 
you will make a winning. Flora, take good 
care of yourself. I fancy you are living in 
too much excitement. When Kate arrives 
tell her how much we missed her. You must 
be sure to let me know when she passes 
through Chicago, and I will see what we can 
do to pass the time pleasantly. Can’t you 
meet her there? ” 

“ Thank you so much, Larry, but I will be 
in New York with father. I will see her 
when she lands. Be sure I will put in a good 
word for you. Why can’t you come on to 
New York? ” 

Tom spoke up quickly, “ Larry, Flora is 
doing her best to get you into the family. She 
has had that in her bonnet ever since she met 
you.” 


63 


THE ACCUSED 


“ I do hope she will succeed, Tom.” Shak- 
ing hands with Flora he again told how he 
had enjoyed his visit. 

As Flora watched Tom and Larry board 
the car she turned into the house with a sigh. 

“ Oh, what is to become of me? I am so 
miserable. Tom has only one thought. Why 
can’t he see that I am unhappy? Why must 
I be tortured so? Is it worth it? Three 
months! ” She rocked back and forth, trying 
to make herself believe she was mistaken in 
many things. 

“Yes, he is different, he is sarcastic. I 
often find a look in his face that frightens 
me. When I do the least thing he is cross. 
The very things I think would please often 
irritate him. What is it to lead to? Anyway, 
Larry had a good time. Marian and Tom 
were very queer sometimes, but I did all I 
could. I do wish Kate was here. She could 
help me. Oh, oh, Tom! can’t you see I am 
slipping away and you are pushing, pushing 
me on? 

“ I must be dressing, for I am to lunch with 
Mr. Lane and some out-of-town friends.” 

The next three months were filled with 
64 


CHAPTER EIGHT 


dinners, lunches and dances. Never had Flora 
been so sought after. She was the gayest of 
the gay. She seldom saw her husband, as he 
was making speeches, going from one place to 
another. Dan Lane was with her continually. 
He was her husband’s campaign manager, so, 
when he went to her home to lunch with her 
very nearly every day, it was always to talk 
quietly over the political situation. Flora had 
thrown her heart and soul into the task she 
had set herself to do. Lane fairly worshipped 
at her shrine. He flew to do her bidding, he 
spent his money lavishly, he talked Tom West 
from morning till night, he backed his state- 
ments with bets on the winner. Never was 
known such a hot campaign. The Republican 
candidate was a man of wide influence, who 
had served the people for years in many public 
offices, but Dan Lane had declared that Tom 
West was the man to save the state. Only 
one week more, November would be here. It 
would all be over. Poor Flora, torn in mind 
and body, was almost distracted. Her hus- 
band had said many cutting things to her of 
late, but she made no retort. She was waiting 
for the end. 


65 


THE ACCUSED 


As she dressed herself for dinner she knew 
her gown was becoming. There are some 
women who can hide trouble, or even if it 
peeps out it beautifies. There had come into 
her face something that was not there when 
she was a gay, happy girl, a sacred beauty. 
One thought of heaven when looking at Flora 
West. Sadness was in her eyes, her mouth 
was determined. You knew she was a woman 
with heart and soul fixed on a purpose. 

Flora had made a discovery in the last few 
weeks that had brought both pain and glad- 
ness to her. “ I will tell Tom to-night. 
Maybe it will make him turn to me some. 
I feel I am losing him inch by inch.” 

Going downstairs she saw her husband 
seated in a large chair. With great desire 
to whisper the glad tidings to him, she slipped 
up behind him, putting her arm around his 
neck. There was no response. He sat cold 
and still. She leaned over him, kissing his 
forehead. 

“ Are you tired, dear? ” 

“ No, no more than usual.” 

“ I am so glad we are to dine alone to-night. 
It has been so long since I had you all to 
66 


CHAPTER EIGHT 


myself. See, I put on my very prettiest 
dress. I want you to tell me how pretty I 
look, how proud of your little wife you are, 
just as you used to do.” 

Giving her a cold stare, he surveyed her 
from head to foot, saying, “ Too bad Lane 
isn’t here to pay you silly compliments, if 
you have grown so used to them that you can’t 
pass even one evening without them.” 

What had she done, what had she said, that 
her husband should speak so to her? 

“ Why, Tom, what do you mean? Isn’t 
Dan Lane your best friend? Doesn’t he come 
here at your invitation? Haven’t you thrown 
me with him continually for the past year? 
You seem to have been unable to pass a day 
without his help on some subject. Haven’t 
you always told me to treat him with every 
courtesy? Now you say such things to 
me.” 

Seeing the look in Flora’s face, he feared 
he had said too much. 

“ Can’t you be teased a bit? I just thought 
what a pity Lane couldn’t see you to-night as 
you are really very beautiful.” 

“ Thank you for the forced compliment, but 
61 


THE ACCUSED 


I think it hardly worth the effort. I believe 
dinner is served.” 

A quiet, almost untouched meal was gone 
through. A peal at the door bell. Lane’s 
voice was heard in the hall. 

“ Flora, I am delighted that you wore your 
prettiest dress for me to-night,” Tom said, in 
a sarcastic tone, going into the hall, where 
Lane was busy removing his overcoat. 

“ Tom,” she heard him say, “ I have just 
gotten a telegram from Foley in that doubtful 
county. He thinks if you could come Tues- 
day and make a speech that it would fix things 
in pretty good shape. Think fast, I want to 
send a message to-night.” 

They sat and talked over the prospects until 
late at night. Flora, going quietly to her 
room, removed her beautiful gown that had 
grown hateful in her sight, and slipped on 
her dressing gown. Walking the floor, striv- 
ing hard to keep the tears back, she mourned 
in silence. 

“ He shall never, never know. One week 
from to-day I will go to father. How I hate 
him, hate him! No, no, God forgive me, he 
is the father of my child. I will do my best 
68 


CHAPTER EIGHT 


to be absolutely indifferent, but he has broken 
my heart. He shall never know that God 
has sent him this jewel. I will guard it with 
my life.” 

Twelve o’clock Tom came into his wife’s 
room. He found her pale and silent. 

“ Why didn’t you come in to see Lane? I 
am sure he must have thought it strange.” 

“ Oh, I thought I would come to my room, 
and see how it would feel to go through one 
evening without silly compliments.” 

“ Well, if you had listened you would have 
heard plenty, as he regaled me with your 
beauty and what a wonderful woman you are, 
and how much you have done for me in this 
race. He almost told me that had it not been 
for you he would have stood by his old friend, 
Jeff Wilson.” 

Flora listened to him without change of 
expression, giving no word that he could 
judge her feelings. 

“ I am leaving town in the morning for 
several days. Good-night.” 

He closed the door, going to his own room. 
She stood still for a few moments, then throw- 
ing herself on the bed, sobbed herself to sleep. 

69 


THE ACCUSED 


When morning broke she was weary but 
determined. Her mind was fully made up. 

“ He shall never, never know,” sang 
through her brain all day. The few days 
that Tom was out of town went as all days 
do for heart-broken women, slowly. Flora 
to the world was the same. Dan Lane 
lunched with her, she was his guest at his 
club several times. She made up her mind 
that the game should be played to the end. 
She would not throw down her hand. But no 
matter which way the election went, she knew 
she would return to her father, there to re- 
main. All the love she had for her husband 
was turned into contempt. 


TO 


CHAPTER NINE 


PRIVATE wire was put into the West 



home. It was the morning of election 
day. Tom was coldly scanning his morning 
paper while his coffee was getting cold. Flora 
was reading a letter from her father, telling 
her how he was counting the days until she 
would be with him. Marian Lea came to the 
door. Flora heard the maid say they were 
having their breakfast, to come right in. 

“ I came to spend the day. I am so inter- 
ested in the returns, I just had to be where I 
could know what was doing.” 

“ Of course you are interested,” said Tom. 
“ Haven’t we built castles many times of what 
we would do when we lived in the governor’s 
mansion? ” 

“ Yes, Marian, Tom told me that you and 
he were sweethearts when you were children. 
‘ Whom first we love we seldom wed,’ ” she 
laughingly said. 

“ Flora, you have told me many times that 


THE ACCUSED 


I was your first and only love,” Tom said in a 
mocking tone. 

“ And so you were. I have never loved 
any man but you, and my childhood days can 
boast of no devoted swains.” 

The arrival of the young man who was to 
have charge of the instrument cut this con- 
versation short. Taking his hat and coat, 
Tom remarked that there would not be much 
news before twelve or one o’clock, and he 
would go downtown. 

“ I met Mr. Lane as I was coming over,” 
said Marian. “ He says he is dead tired. 
Has been up all night, but he is positive that 
you are the winner. Tom, I am betting real 
money on you.” 

“ So long, girls, I will see you before three. 
I hope you will win a big pile of money on this 
election, Marian.” 

These two were as different as night and 
day, Flora a small blond, Marian tall and 
dark, her hair and eyes as black as night. 
She loved Tom West, and had ever since she 
was a little girl. Why had this silly city doll 
come between them? Yes, she would tell Tom 
how the people were talking about his wife; 

72 


CHAPTER NINE 

how much in love she was with Dan 
Lane. 

“ Say, Flora, do you know I am going to 
give you a bit of good advice? You must not 
give so much time to Dan Lane, and a little 
more to Tom. Do you know that already 
folks are beginning to say things? I contra- 
dict them, but you know the way of the world, 
especially when a pretty woman is in the 
case.” 

“ Why, Marian, what could folks say of us? 
Isn’t he my husband’s best friend? Doesn’t 
my husband request him to take me to places? 
I am sure I have done nothing to be ashamed 
of. If you people here care to amuse your- 
selves at my expense, I have no objection.” 

“ Flora, don’t get mad. I just told you for 
your own good. Can’t you see that Tom is 
burning up with jealousy? If you don’t 
change your tactics you will find that you 
have been playing with fire.” 

“ Look here, Marian Lea, who are you that 
you come into my home and dare to say such 
things? You have overstepped your margin.” 

Marian, with a toss of her head, said, “ I am 
Tom West’s friend. I dare come and tell you 
73 


THE ACCUSED 


to your face that you are the talk of the town. 
The way you and Dan Lane have been seen 
together is scandalous.” 

Flora gave her one contemptuous look, 
and holding the door wide open, said in a cold, 
low voice, “ Miss Lea, this is my tome. 
There is not room enough in this house for us 
both.” 

Marian, with head held high, walked out, 
saying, “ This is not the last you will hear of 
this, Mrs. West.” 

Flora closed the door and sat down in front 
of the fire. She broke into a hysterical laugh. 

“ So, I am in love with Dan Lane? Sup- 
pose I was; would I be here taking insults 
from my husband and his lady friend? Oh, 
for this day to pass! I never expect to lay 
my eyes upon this place or these people after 
to-morrow. My trunks are all ready. I will 
leave forever. To-night I will write Dan 
Lane and tell him what I think of him, and 
when I get home to father on his breast I 
will tell him all.” 


74 


CHAPTER TEN 


T HE campaign was over. Tom West 
had won the office. How much he had 
given for his success he would find out later. 
Flora had gone to New York three days after 
the election. Her plan to leave the next 
day was prevented by Tom insisting upon 
her remaining to attend the banquet given 
in his honour by Dan Lane. Somehow she 
could not make smiles come. There was no 
flush of triumph on her face. She received 
the congratulations of the crowd with a set 
smile, and a “ thank you ” that carried no ring 
of pride. Many remarked that “ poor Mrs. 
West was completely tired out. She must 
take a long rest, before going to Indian- 
apolis to take up the duties of the mansion.” 

Tom West was never brighter nor appeared 
to better advantage. His speech thanking his 
friends for what they had done in his behalf 
was a masterpiece of oratory. In referring 
to Dan Lane he likened him to Damon in the 
75 


THE ACCUSED 


beautiful story of Damon and Pythias, who 
would have died in his place so that he might 
be spared to the wife who loved him so. As 
Flora heard her husband make this mention of 
her friend (?) she almost fainted, for hadn’t 
Dan Lane told her in whispers only a few 
hours ago that he would soon claim his reward 
for what he had done? She sat like a beauti- 
ful statue through speech after speech. When 
toasts were drank to her husband and to her- 
self, she barely touched the wine. Her mind 
was busy with plans for the future. She 
must act, and act quickly. 

As she and Tom drove home in the early 
hours of the morning, she lay back in the car- 
riage crouched in a corner like a hunted ani- 
mal. She knew she was to have more thrusts 
from his sharp tongue. Try as she would, she 
could not accustom herself to these regular 
rebukes. 

They had gone scarcely a block from the 
club where he had smiled and been so delight- 
ful in his manners to all those by whom he 
was counted the best fellow on earth, when, 
turning to Flora, he said in a harsh voice, 
“ Your treatment of my friends to-night was 
76 


CHAPTER TEN 


disgraceful. Already they are whispering you 
have the ‘ big head.’ You know this office is 
only the stepping-stone to congress, then the 
senate. You need not think because I won 
this fight that there are not other battles yet 
to win. Dan Lane asked me why you were 
so disdainful of it all. I told him you were 
ill, completely broken down, and made every 
reasonable excuse for you. I was ashamed to 
tell him you were pouting because he had 
taken Marian out to supper, that you missed 
some of his attentions. Now that the elec- 
tion is over, I am very sorry that you will 
be forced to forego some of the visits Dan has 
made you. I am sure he has felt the position 
you have placed him in very much, but as my 
friend he could hardly openly repulse you. 
When a woman gets her head filled with the 
desire for admiration, she will run the risk of 
her husband’s * honour and her own good 
name.” 

As these cruel words fell on Flora’s ears 
she was like stone. There was no sound she 
could make. They had reached their home. 
Mechanically she went up the steps. There 
had been a time when Tom helped her, oh, so 


THE ACCUSED 


gently. Now, when she needed it, he was far 
in advance. He didn’t even hold the door 
open. 

She found her faithful Lizzie waiting with 
an ominous looking envelope for Mrs. Tom 
West. She took it and opening it read: 
“ Come, your father very ill — Dr. Cross.” 
She could shed no tears. The fountain was 
dry. 

“ Lizzie, have all my baggage ready and I 
will leave for New York at seven in the morn- 
ing. I believe that is the first train. Take 
this telegram into the library to Mr. West.” 
She sank into a chair. She could not remove 
her things. 

“ Oh, God in heaven, let me live through 
this! I feel that I am turning to stone. 
Keep him, Father of all, until I reach his 
side. He must live now. I believe if I get 
to him he will live for me. He doesn’t know 
how his little girl needs him.” 

She was interrupted by her husband com- 
ing into the room. 

“ When do you want to leave? ” 

“ I leave on the early morning train.” 

“ Flora, I am sorry I can’t go with you, but 
78 


CHAPTER TEN 


you know it is impossible for me to leave here 
now. Lizzie will accompany you. I think 
the judge has had another of his gouty at- 
tacks. You will let me know if anything seri- 
ous is the matter. Of course I will come 
on.” 

Was this Tom West who stood here talking 
in that cold tone to her, when her dear father 
that she had not seen for three years was ill 
unto death, maybe dead? 

“ Oh, I knew you could not leave. Lizzie 
and I will make the trip all right.” 

Without one word of sympathy for her 
now, he left her there in the night. Morning 
found her still with the handsome gown she 
had worn the night before. Lizzie coming in 
was surprised to see her mistress sitting just 
as she had left her. 

“My dear miss, you have not slept?” 

“ Lizzie, my eyes refuse to close. Come, 
help me get this dress off. I will take that 
blue suit. Lizzie, you are a good Catholic. 
I want every breath you draw to be a prayer 
that we may get there before it is too late.” 

“ Yes, miss, I have said my beads over and 
over. I know our Father in heaven will 
79 


THE ACCUSED 


spare the judge to you. He can bring the 
dead to life. I, feel sure we will find him 
better.” 

All was ready for the journey. Tom went 
to the depot to see his wife off. She had no 
feeling of regret that he was not to go. She 
only knew she was on the way to see her 
father who was ill. Her mind was filled with 
prayers that he would live for her. 

“ All aboard! ” sounded. Tom leaned over 
and kissed Flora for the first time for weeks. 
“ Let me hear by wire as soon as you get 
home. I will be anxious. Good-bye, Lizzie, 
take care of Flora.” 

Tom West stood on the platform watching 
the train until it was out of sight. She was 
gone. He had a lonely feeling already. 

“ I wonder if I shouldn’t have gone with 
her? I know there is nothing serious. Dr. 
Cross is an old foggy and is easily scared. I 
will go to the office. I have so many letters 
to write that it will take me some time to get 
straight again.” 

Going to his carriage, he ordered his driver 
to go home and he would walk; the morning 
was fine and he needed an outing. His mind 
80 


CHAPTER TEN 


was busy with many plans. He didn’t notice 
the woman coming toward him. 

“Hello, Tom! Why so pensive? You 
seem lost in thought. Are you already plan- 
ning whose head is to fall in the great change 
to take place in the official family? ” 

“Why, Marian! What are you doing up 
so early? I thought after last night’s dis- 
sipation you would have your breakfast and 
luncheon in one. Isn’t that the way that you 
keep your dimples? ” 

“ Oh, no indeed. I guess you judge me by 
your pretty wife, who no doubt is now dream- 
ing of the pretty gowns and the devoted 
swains who will bow in homage to her will.” 

“ Flora has just left on that train you heard 
whistle. She has gone to New York. Her 
father is not well. He sent for her.” 

“ I hope the judge is not in a dangerous 
condition? ” 

“ No, no; he is a gouty old gentleman. 
You know Flora had her mind set on going, 
so I thought the sooner the visit was over the 
better.” 

“ Tom, what are you going to do with 
yourself? Now come and see us often. 

81 


THE ACCUSED 


Father often speaks of you. Poor father, he 
never has gotten over not claiming you for a 
son. Too bad, Tom, that you let pretty little 
Flora Gray cut me out.” She laughed and 
nodded good-bye, but there was a sting under 
every word. 

“ Oh, yes, I nearly forgot to ask you what 
will Dan Lane do now that Mrs. West has 
' gone? You know, Tom, you ought to be a 
proud man. Every fellow in town is in love 
with your wife. The women all envy her so. 
Dan Lane sings her praises from one day’s 
end to the next. He was really distressed that 
Flora was so quiet last night. He is afraid 
she has been doing too much, entertaining too 
much. Really, Tom, people say that your 
wife was a great help to you in the cam- 
paign. No wonder you are so proud of 
her.” 

“ What manner of woman is this? ” he 
thought. “ What she says is a compliment to 
Flora, but the way she says it I feel it an 
insult.” 

“ Good-bye again, Tom. Now do come to 
see us. Give my love to dear Flora, and tell 
her not to stay too long. We will dry up and 
82 


CHAPTER TEN 

blow away without her to plan something for 
our amusement.” 

Marian Lea disappeared around the corner. 
Tom West looked at her with a strange sen- 
sation. 

“ I know she likes Flora. Why should she 
insinuate things about her? No, no, Marian, 
I will not believe you are that kind of a creat- 
ure. You just run on and talk with little 
thought of how it will sound. You like Flora, 
I know it.” 

When Lane came into the office near noon 
he found Tom busied deep in work. 

“ Good-morning, your Excellency,” he said, 
holding out his hand. “ How is Mrs. West 
this morning? I do hope she is feeling better, 
poor little woman. She is a brave one. I tell 
you the strain of the last few months is telling 
on her. I think you had better take her away 
for a rest. You both need it.” 

“ Oh, she will be all right now. When we 
got home last night there was a telegram call- 
ing her to New York. The old gentleman had 
a spell of gout.” 

“You didn’t go with her! Why? West, 
don’t you know your wife’s ill? And at such 
83 


THE ACCUSED 


news as that she might have a nervous break- 
down on the way.” 

“ Oh, I sent Lizzie, the maid, with her.” 

As these two men talked over business 
affairs, one thought, “ Why should Dan Lane 
interest himself in my wife’s health? ” The 
other thought, “ If she were my wife no power 
on earth could keep me from her when she 
was in trouble.” 

The hour for luncheon came. “Will you 
lunch with me at the club. West? ” 

“ No, I am much obliged, but I met Marian 
Lea as I was coming to the office. I promised 
to come at one and lunch with her and the 
judge.” 

Seeing the look of surprise on Lane’s face 
he continued, “ You see I used to be like 
home folks there, but since I married I have 
neglected many of my old friends.” 

“ Well, you must not get blue while the 
wife is away. I will be glad to have you drop 
in at any time. All the fellows at the club like 
you, and did good work for you. You must 
not fail to give us some of your society. We 
appreciate a good entertainer. When you 
come to think of it, they count you the best 
84 


CHAPTER TEN 


fellow in the bunch. I hope Mrs. West will 
find her father out of danger. Should you 
hear anything, let me know.” 

Closing the door, Dan Lane walked slowly 
out into the street. He would send Flora 
a message that would reach her at Buffalo. 
She would know that he felt for her in this 
grief. Going to the telegraph office, he wrote 
this message: 

“ Hope you find your father out of 
danger. — D. L.” 

Paying the operator, he walked out. 

“Poor little woman! She has changed in 
these last months. She is no longer the defi- 
ant creature she was. She looks sad and 
worn. Would to God I had the right to 
shield her! It seems to me that Tom West 
has no thought beyond his own selfish am- 
bition. Why can’t I win her? Who knows?” 


85 


CHAPTER ELEVEN 


F LORA sat by her father’s bed, holding 
his emaciated hand. For four weeks he 
had hovered between life and death. She had 
nursed him day and night, never leaving him. 
When rest was demanded by Dr. Cross she 
threw herself upon the lounge in her father’s 
room to snatch a few moments of sleep, but 
the old man on the bed called incessantly for 
Flora. She would sit for hours with his hand 
in hers. He knew her touch, and her voice 
soothed him. Flora had not written her hus- 
band. She sent a message the night she ar- 
rived, saying, “ Father better.” She was now 
waiting for him to be strong enough to hear 
her story. She knew that Tom West must 
be told the truth. She could never go back 
to live with him. He had killed her love, she 
had done nothing to be ashamed of, she had 
simply done his bidding. The bitter, cruel 
things he had said would live with her always. 
Would he care? 


86 


CHAPTER ELEVEN 


She lived over their life the first two years. 
How happy was it! Strange, that she could 
sit for hours musing over the many incidents. 
She tried to put Dan Lane from her. She 
would shudder when his face arose before her ; 
the past year of misery, the hateful accusa- 
tion, the sarcasm of her husband, the hard 
things he said to her. Oh, to be able to for- 
get! But she knew they were burned deep 
into her heart. The scars would remain 
through life. 

Dr. Cross came in to see his patient. 

“We must take him for a little drive 
through the park. Fresh air will do wonders 
for him. Cheer up, Flora, child, he will soon 
be as brisk as ever, and you will be restless to 
get back to that husband of yours. You must 
tell me all about him some day, and how you 
like the political life. I know you were a 
great help to the coming governor. You will 
be able to grace the mansion and dispense hos- 
pitality that will go down in history and make 
old New York proud of her women.” 

“ You do me proud, doctor, but I can tell 
you a woman stands mighty little show in the 
game. You know when a man fixes his eyes 
87 


THE ACCUSED 


on a star, he will push the moon and all the 
other stars aside to reach the goal. I have 
seen very little of Mr. West during the last 
year. His entire time is given to others. He 
is what is known as a self-made man. All 
things must give way to ambition.” 

“ I am glad to hear you speak so, child. 
If there is anything I do honour in a man it is 
ambition, for one to come from the masses and 
by sheer will power and his own hard-earned 
education climb to the top of his profession, 
compelling the people to place him at the head 
of the government of his state. You should 
glory in his work. He is indeed a man to 
feel proud of. I always knew you would 
marry a man of brain.” 

Flora listened to this man praise her hus- 
band. She felt as if she could scream out and 
let the world know how he had tried to sell 
her; how she had fought with every breath the 
man whom he must have to manage the race 
for him; how she had all but made a promise 
she knew she would never keep. She had 
bought thousands of votes; bought the influ- 
ence that must be had to purchase the office. 
How, each day she had made one excuse after 
88 


CHAPTER ELEVEN 

the other for her seeming lack of appreciation 
of the situation. She knew when the last day 
came she would fly to her father for shelter 
and counsel. Here was a good man, one 
whom she had trusted all her life, extolling 
her husband’s virtues to the skies. Strange, 
strange, but she was fixed in her purpose. 
Her mind was fully made up to tell every- 
thing to her father. She knew he would guide 
her right. Would he urge her to go back, live 
this life of misery with a man whose very 
presence filled her with loathing? No, she 
knew that he would take her to his heart and 
try in his own way to help her bear the 
burden. She knew she would never hear one 
word of reproach from him 

Day after day Judge Gray grew stronger. 
It would not be many days until Flora could 
have his counsel. She received but few letters 
from Tom. When the father asked for him, 
she always told how busy he was. It was not 
yet time to raise the veil from his eyes. 

Dan Lane had written several letters 
couched in the most gentle language. He 
told her of her husband’s increasing popu- 
larity, the many functions in his honour. He 
89 


THE ACCUSED 


made no reference to things she dreaded. Her 
father’s health was inquired of in the kindest 
way. 


“ We hope you will soon be home with 
us. Why don’t you bring your father? 
The change of climate and association 
with your friends here in the west might 
do him a world of good. Tom is looking 
well and growing anxious for your early 
return. Believe me, sincerely, 

“ D. Lane.” 

Mora sat reading this over and over. 
“ Why couldn’t he be like this always? A 
good man at heart. I had thought I would 
write him a letter of hate and contempt for 
his pretended friendship. I will not do so 
now. I will thank him for all he has done, 
completely ignoring any idea of future rela- 
tions, only as my husband’s best friend.” 

A peaceful feeling came stealing over Flora. 
She felt that somewhere there was rest for 
her troubled soul. 


90 


CHAPTER TWELVE 


J UDGE GRAY sat with his child, her 
head on his breast, his arms clasping her 
to him. He realized he was her all. The 
words of his wife as she was leaving this 
earthly home for one beyond came clearly 
back to him. When she knew her summons 
from on high had come, she placed her infant 
Flora in his arms and said, “ Guard her from 
evil, share her burdens. She is the link that 
will bind you to me through life. When the 
great day comes you will bring her back to 
me.” 

Yes, guard her from evil, share her burdens. 
Flora sobbed her sad story, from the day she 
was a bride, how happy, until the fire of 
political ambition quenched every feeling of 
love in her husband’s heart. She told how 
she had been accused of things so foreign to 
her nature. 

The old man trembled with rage. Then, 
thinking of the trying days in store for his 
darling, he caressed her gently, telling her she 
91 


THE ACCUSED 


should never leave him again, that he would 
protect her from all evil. 

“ Oh, father, must I write and tell him that 
I never expect to come back? ” 

“ Yes, child, you must write him explain- 
ing everything. Leave nothing untold. Then 
should he make answer, I will see to all the 
rest. My fortune is large, you have your 
mother’s inheritance, so there will be no need 
to speak of financial matters.” 

“ Don’t tell me that I must tell of the ex- 
pected child. I must punish him. He must 
hear after all is over. I know how he longs 
for a son, and my prayer will be night and 
day for a little girl. I begin to know men 
as they are. I never want to bring a son into 
this world, who might break some poor girl’s 
heart as mine has been broken.” 

“ Hush, my child, you must now begin to 
let all beautiful things fill your mind. Try 
not to think of the injuries you have received. 
God in his own sweet way will heal the wound. 
Now go to your room and be quiet, and we 
will not speak again on this painful subject. 
You are the head of this house as you were 
before you left me.” 


92 


CHAPTER TWELVE 

Kissing her, he went to the door and held 
it wide. The old man watched his child as 
she climbed the stairs. Turning to his chair 
he sat down, burying his face in his hands. 
Tears of anguish flowed freely. 

“ Thank God, I am come back from the 
‘ valley of the shadow of death ’ to watch 
over her and guard her from evil.” 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN 


HRISTMAS EVE. A regular bliz- 



zard was over New York. Flora West 


sat in front of the fire with her son on her 
lap, telling him Christmas stories and all 
about the wonderful things “ Old Santa ” did 
for good little boys. 

“ Mama, can’t old Santa bring me a 
papa?” he asked, as he cuddled close to her 
breast. “ I want a papa like Jimmy has, a 
big nice papa to ride me on his back and let 
me sit up by him in the big automobile and 
put specs on my eyes.” 

“ No, son, that is about the only thing old 
Santa can’t bring.” 

Russel Gray West was three years old. 
Almost four years since she had returned to 
her father’s home. Her life was spent quietly. 
Her little son was the idol of his grand- 
father. Flora gave him her heart and soul. 
She watched over him night and day. She 
made his happiness and welfare her one ob- 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN 


ject in life. She had never mentioned to him 
the word “ father.” “ Mama” and “ grand- 
dad ” were to be his all. 

As she filled his little stocking and made 
ready the Christmas surprises, his question 
was ringing in her ears. “ Have I done right 
to keep Tom West in ignorance of his son? ” 

Only one letter had passed between these 
two. She followed her father’s instructions, 
writing Tom in detail why she could never 
come back to him. She said nothing of Dan 
Lane more than necessary. The answer to 
her letter was cold and cruel. Her father 
read it, then tore it into small bits, saying, 
“ My child, the past is a sealed book, never 
to be opened.” 

Of course Flora’s story was whispered for 
nine days, then the old friends began to drop 
in, and ere the first year had gone she was 
firmly established in her old place. Her 
father’s smile was always for her. She made 
the evening of his life as bright as the noon 
had been. If she had sad moments they were 
never disclosed to him. When the little son 
was born, Judge Gray sat by her bed with 
the infant in his arms. 

95 


THE ACCUSED 


“ My daughter, I beg you to call this child 
Russel Gray, for your sainted mother and 
myself.” 

She was happy to do his bidding. So, at 
the age of three, Russel Gray had never 
known his other name only as something he 
might use if he wanted to. 

For hours Flora busied herself. She had 
planned a little surprise for the Judge, and 
the servants too were not forgotten. Lean- 
ing over her boy’s bed to see if he was soundly 
sleeping, she kissed his cheek, and going into 
the library she rang the bell. Lizzie came 
with arms full of packages. 

“ Lizzie, we must get these all tied up. 
You know everybody likes Christmas things 
better when a goodly quantity of ribbon and 
holly are used in the draping.” 

Judge Gray came home as the hall clock 
chimed twelve, finding Flora and Lizzie still 
busy. He sat down and watched their nimble 
fingers. 

“ Oh, no, no. Now, ‘ grand-dad ’ ” (Flora 
used the new name), “you must not look at 
the boxes. You might find your own, then 
you would be sorry in the morning.” 

96 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN 


“ Well, I guess I am in the way, so I will 
take a peep at the boy, then seek a few hours’ 
rest. I know that this house will be awake 
early in the morning.” 

“ Yes, father, breakfast at eight sharp. 
I have the biggest surprise of all for you. 
I know you will be the happiest ‘ boy ’ in 
the house to-morrow.” She kissed him good- 
night. Her face was beaming with the joy 
of Christmas and excitement of her secret. 

“ Oh, it is not anything I bought ; you must 
wait until eight in the morning.” 

Lizzie was the only one in her secret, as 
she had been chief in carrying out the plan. 
As Flora scanned the evening paper before 
dinner, she had gotten the habit of running 
her eye over the hotel arrivals. Often she 
saw names familiar to her in the west. To- 
night she saw Congressman Willard Burns 
of Indiana in the city for a few days. How 
her heart beat! Would she ever forget her 
meeting with him? It seemed her life of 
misery dated from the day he came to seek 
Dan Lane’s aid for his friend. She sat with 
the paper in her hand for some time, then 
going to her desk she wrote this note: 

97 


THE ACCUSED 


“Dear Sir: — 

“ I hope you have not forgotten me, 
but if you have, try to remember Flora 
Gray West. I am making my home with 
my father. I write to ask you to come 
at eight in the morning and have break- 
fast with us. I want your visit as a 
happy Christmas surprise to him. He 
often speaks of you, and never grows 
tired of talking of your success. I send 
this note by my faithful Lizzie, who was 
with me when I lived in Salem. 

“ Hoping for a ‘ yes,’ I am 
“ Truly your friend, 

“ Flora Gray West.” 

Truly, Colonel Burns was surprised. He 
was most happy to write a hurried note say- 
ing he would surely be with them at eight. 

“ I wonder why she left him? He is a stern 
man, but I am sure that Flora Gray could 
never do anything to cause the estrangement.” 

Tom West was now serving the second 
term as governor of his state. He was hon- 
oured among men, and women craved his 
smiles. Various were the excuses made by his 
friends for the separation of him and his wife. 
Marian Lea had come openly out and said 
that she knew that it had to come. She was 
98 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN 

with Tom a great deal, and it was well known 
that as soon as the divorce was granted she 
would make all effort in her power to become 
Mrs. Tom West. Colonel Burns had, of 
course, heard much gossip, but turned a deaf 
ear to anything that touched his old friend’s 
child. In conversation with Dan Lane he 
asked Lane why Mrs. West was with her 
father. The answer was quick and decisive, 
“ She gave no public announcement. West 
has never mentioned the subject to me, and I 
have asked no one else ; but colonel, I feel that 
Marian Lea has been much to blame for the 
breaking up of that home. She loves Tom 
West, and has never recovered from the effect 
of his marriage. I know she has said bitter 
things of Mrs. West since she left, even in- 
sinuating ‘ a man in the case.’ ” 

“ Well, Dan, there is one thing we know, 
Flora loved Tom West with her heart and 
soul. She must have been sorely tried.” 

“ Yes, I think she was sorely tried.” 

The subject was dropped and had never 
been recalled. Tom West went among his 
friends as usual. Many felt truly sorry for 
him, others had only a morbid curiosity to 
99 


THE ACCUSED 


know what the skeleton in his closet knew. 
Sometimes he would sit and think over his first 
two years of married life and wonder if the 
realization of his ambitious dream was worth 
the sacrifice. His Salem home was closed. 
He could not bear to look into the haunted 
rooms. She was there. Marian Lea had 
become hateful in his sight; in fact women 
in general were distasteful to him. He felt 
at war with all the feminine world. Kate 
was married and living in a small town. She 
had two children that engrossed her every 
hour. She had told Tom plainly that she 
felt he was to blame. Before she went away 
she could see that his time was given to others, 
and she knew Flora loved him and there was 
no man had come between them. Kate also 
sent Marian Lea home with the idea well 
planted in her mind to be careful of what 
she said of Mrs. Tom West. 


100 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN 


B REAKFAST was over. Judge Gray 
and his old friend Burns had gone into 
the den for a smoke and to indulge in boy- 
hood reminiscences. The surprise of seeing 
his old friend had brought a happy twinkle 
to the judge’s eye. Flora could be heard 
playing with Russel. She was enjoying the 
toys, so many mechanical ones that kept her 
and Lizzie both busy winding. The library 
looked like a toy shop. 

“ Walter, I didn’t know that Flora had a 
son. I have never heard West speak of him.” 

The judge smiled and said, “ I doubt if he 
knows that he is the father of the finest boy 
in New York. It was one of the things Flora 
wanted to keep to herself. Burns, I have 
never mentioned my daughter’s trouble to any 
one. She and I have only spoken of it once, 
but if you care to listen I will tell you the 
whole story.” 

As Colonel Burns listened he knew why he 
101 


THE ACCUSED 


had felt pity for the beautiful woman the 
night he dined with her. He recalled how 
she spoke of the game of politics. He sat 
through the recital, and when Judge Gray 
brought the story to a close he looked at 
Colonel Burns. 

“ I am sorry, Walter, but I feel the poor 
child did what she felt was right. When 
I go back to Indiana, if I should see Tom 
West am I to mention seeing his wife and 
son? ” 

Lighting a fresh cigar, the judge said, as 
he watched the rings of smoke curl in the 
air, “ I have long felt that West should know 
of his son. If you see him I have no objec- 
tions to your telling him.” 

“ I think with you, Walter, that he should 
know.” 

“ Oh, granddad ! Come quick. Mama 
can’t fix the balloon worth a cent. I want 
you to do it.” 

Both gentlemen went into the hall where 
Flora was doing her best to get the big toy 
balloon blown up. Colonel Burns picked Rus- 
sel up and lifted him high on his shoulder. 

“ How old are you, young man? ” 

102 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN 

“ I am three years and four months.” 

“ And your name? ” 

“ Russel Gray.” 

“ Is that all? ” 

“No sir, I have one more name.” 

“You have? What is it?” 

“ Russel Gray West.” 

“ What a fine name. Old Santa Claus has 
been very generous with you. He brought 
you everything you could wish for.” 

“ Yes, everything but one,” the boy said, 
looking wistfully around at all the toys, “ and 
mama said he couldn’t bring that.” 

“ What could it be that he didn’t bring? 
What do you want, Russel, that you haven’t 
here?” Judge Gray asked. 

Flora felt what was coming, and tried to 
distract his attention. 

“ Oh, grandad! I want a papa like Jimmie 
has.” 

Silence fell over the group. No one knew 
just what to say. Finally the balloon was 
working, and every one busy helping to 
make it go. The two old gentlemen were 
playing with the toys, and having a jolly 
Christmas. 


103 


THE ACCUSED 


Flora was thinking of her husband oftener 
than usual, for Russel was beginning to ask 
questions that were hard to answer. “ I won- 
der if he thinks of me; if he is happy? 
Strange I have only heard once from Salem 
since Kate married. Dear old Kate. I some- 
times feel if she had been there I would now 
be living my life, oh, so differently! I think 
of her so much. I know she is happy and I 
am glad, glad, glad. She wrote me two years 
ago and told me of her baby. Wouldn’t I 
love to see her? I have never hinted to her 
that I have a son. I think sometimes I will 
write and tell her. Then I fear to share his 
love with any one. I know Tom would move 
heaven and earth to have him.” 

As she sat mourning on the past, Lizzie 
brought a box to her saying the boy said he 
was to wait for an answer; there was a note 
inside. She opened the box and found candy. 
Raising the lid, she saw a note to Mrs. Flora 
West. Why did she hesitate to read? She 
had received many remembrances, but some- 
how this one filled her with a feeling of fear. 
Tearing the envelope, she spread the neatly 
written sheet before her and read: 

104 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN 


“ My Dear Mrs. West: 

“ I am in your city for a few days. 
I feel that I must beg you to see me. I 
wish to ask one favour of you. 

“ Your friend, 

“ Dan Lane.” 

What must she do? Here was the man she 
had hated, who she felt had come between 
her and her husband. What must she do? 
She was torn with emotion. Going to the 
library, she asked her father to come to her 
for a few moments. As the door closed she 
gave her father the note. He read it slowly, 
and turning it over said, “ Flora, child, you 
cannot always hide yourself from those who 
knew you in your western home. Tell Mr. 
Lane we will be pleased to see him.” 

She wrote only a few lines, but as Dan 
Lane read them his blood rushed through his 
veins. He was going to see Flora. Almost 
four years since he had seen her. She had 
never answered any of the letters he had 
written. Tom West seldom mentioned her 
name, and he knew nothing only she lived 
with her father. Since Flora West left 
Salem, Dan Lane had changed. He was not 
105 


THE ACCUSED 


the egotistical, self-conceited person of years 
before. Now he lived quietly, dispensing 
charity and doing what he could for the up- 
lifting of those around him. In his inmost 
soul he prayed God to forgive him for any- 
thing he had done in causing Flora’s misery. 
She was so different from other women. 
When he first began to say the little soft 
nothings to her that other women seemed to 
like, it amused him that she objected. After- 
wards when her sharp tongue rebuked him 
for his familiarities it nettled him, then real 
interest in this woman, and before he knew it 
he loved her above everything. When he saw 
that Tom West would go to any extent to 
gain his influence, he wanted to be with his 
wife, that was all he cared. He gave Tom 
West his influence, and West gave him his 
wife’s society. 

“ I wouldn’t have harmed a hair of her 
head,” he repeated, “ no matter what I felt 
at first. She compelled me to respect her. 
She told me plainly what she thought of me. 
From that day she was my ideal. Tom West 
could say things to his wife to break her heart, 
but to me whose influence he craved he was 
106 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN 

ever friendly. I wouldn’t have seen half so 
much of her if he hadn’t insisted upon my 
going with her. No use talking, he did it! ” 
Lane watched the clock. He was to go 
out there, it was near the hour. He would 
take a cab, as he was not familiar with the 
streets. Going out, he was soon seated in an 
electric and speeding toward the Gray home. 
As he drew nearer he felt nervous and won- 
dered how their meeting would end. 


107 


CHAPTER FIFTEEN 


F LORA heard the maid in the hall say, 
“ Mrs. West is in, come this way.” 

She brought all her courage to bear. She 
wanted to be as cool and collected as if she 
were meeting an ordinary acquaintance. Go- 
ing forward, she gave Dan Lane her hand, 
saying, “ A Merry Christmas, Mr. Lane ; this 
is indeed a surprise.” 

“ How good of you to let me come. I felt 
I must not go back without seeing you. Your 
old friends would be much disappointed if I 
didn’t carry them news of you.” 

“ How kind of them all to remember me. 
Come sit here by me and tell me everything 
that has happened since I left.” 

Never was Dan Lane so entertaining. He 
told all the news of the old town, how Smiths 
had rebuilt their home, even to the girls and 
boys that danced and flirted. Not once did he 
mention Tom West. At last Flora said, 
“Mr. Lane, tell me of Tom. Is he happy? 
108 


CHAPTER FIFTEEN 


Does he still nurse his political ambition? Is 
his life filled with that one idea, to serve the 
people? ” 

There was a touch of sadness in her voice 
she could not keep out. 

“ Yes, Mrs. West, I think he lives for the 
people. He has made a good governor. I 
think he can get most any office he asks for.” 

“ I am glad. He surely has given his whole 
soul for office.” 

They were silent for some moments. Dan 
Lane stood in front of Flora. His voice 
trembled as he said, “ Mrs. West, I came 
here to beg you to forgive me if I was the 
cause in any way of your unhappiness. I 
realize now what you have suffered. I do not 
come here to insult you by professions of love. 
I came to humble myself before you. If there 
is anything I can do to prove my friendship, 
you have only to command.” 

As he spoke Flora knew that at last the 
real man was awakened. She felt that she 
could trust him now. 

“ Mr. Lane, stop, we must not speak of the 
past. When my little son was born ” 

“ Your little son,” Lane interrupted. 

109 


THE ACCUSED 


“Yes, my little son.” Touching the bell, 
Lizzie appeared and she said, “ Send Russel 
to me.” 

“ Why, Mrs. West, I am sure I can’t 
understand you. West has never spoken to 
me of a child.” 

She grew pale. “No, I have never told 
him. The night I went to him to tell my 
secret he said the bitterest words I had ever 
heard. He accused me of things I blush to 
recall. I said then he should never know.” 

“ Oh, Flora, you have borne all this alone? ” 

“ No, not alone. Father was spared. He 
and I are happy.” 

The door flew open and Russel bounded in. 
“ Oh, mama, what do you want? Me and 
Jimmie are having so much fun! ” 

“ Why, dear, don’t you see the gentleman? 
I want you to meet my old friend Mr. Lane. 
Shake hands, dear.” 

“ I am indeed glad to know you, young 
man.” 

“ Let me go now, mama. I have shaken 
hands with the man.” 

“ Yes, run along. You see, Mr. Lane, he 
is a real boy, and not anxious to stop play 
110 


CHAPTER FIFTEEN 

long enough to pass the compliments of the 
day.” 

“ A lovely boy, Mrs. West. Allow me to 
say he is the image of his father.” 

“ Yes, I too think he is like Tom West.” 
Evening came, the lights were turned on. 
Mr. Lane was saying good-bye. “ I hope I 
may see you again before I leave.” 

“You may come whenever you like. I am 
seldom from home.” 

“ What will become of all this, when will it 
end? When I see Tom West I shall speak 
of the boy. I wonder what effect it will have 
upon him to know he has a son? ” 


111 


CHAPTER SIXTEEN 


T OM WEST sat in the right-hand box 
next the stage. Mansfield was to play 
Beau Brummell. He was visiting his friend, 
Larry Lord, in Chicago. Larry had married 
a handsome woman from Denver, almost his 
own age. As Mrs. Lord leaned gracefully 
back and listened to the soft notes of the 
orchestra, she raised her lorgnette to see more 
clearly the party who were taking seats in the 
box opposite. 

“Use your glasses, governor. I think you 
will see the most beautiful woman in Chicago. 
I have seen her several times. No one seems 
to know who she is. She is a visitor to our 
city I am sure, for one of her beauty couldn’t 
live here and not become famous.” 

As Governor West raised his glasses he 
caught his breath and leaned almost out of the 
box. 

“ Oh, I see you have seen the lady before. 
Who is she? ” Mr. Lord asked. 

Turning to Larry, Tom West said, 
112 


CHAPTER SIXTEEN 


“ Larry, my wife sits in the box opposite. 
Do you know the party she is with? ” 

Larry Lord fixed his glasses on the box in 
question. 

“No, I can’t say I do, but I have seen both 
the lady and the gentleman often.” 

“ I wish you would find out.” 

No more mention was made of the party. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lord noticed that the gover- 
nor’s eyes sought the box often. He seemed 
more interested in the beautiful woman who 
sat like a queen in a box than in Mansfield 
and his wonderful art. The curtain came 
down on the last scene, Beau Brummell in 
his attic, living, in his delirium, his court life 
over. It had brought tears to the eyes of 
many, but the tears in the eyes of the tall, 
handsome man in the box on the right were 
for days that had gone. 

Already he began to see where he was in 
the wrong. Poor little girl, how you have 
suffered ! 

Neither Colonel Burns or Dan Lane had 
seen West since Christmas, so he was still 
unaware of his son. He was destined to hear 
of him sooner than he knew. 


113 


THE ACCUSED 


The day after he had seen her, he read in 
the evening paper: 

“ The luncheon and bridge party to 
have been given Mrs. West, of New 
York, by Mrs. Samuels is called off, Mrs. 
West being called east by the serious ill- 
ness of her son.” 

Tom West read this very many times. “ It 
cannot be. Flora has no son. Yet, Samuels 
was the name of the people she was visiting. 
I must know the truth. Oh, Flora, how could 
you keep this from me? I deserved some 
punishment, but not this, not this. I will 
leave for New York on the first train.” 

Turning to the railroad time-tables, he saw 
that a fast train left Chicago at midnight. 
Going to his room he walked back and forth, 
smoking, and occasionally speaking aloud. 

“ I must see my son. More than four years 
since she left me and no word has she sent of 
him.” 

When the limited train pulled out of the 
station for New York, there was one pas- 
senger who sat all night in the smoking- 
room of the sleeper. No use to go to bed; 

114 


CHAPTER SIXTEEN 

he could not sleep. He only wanted to think. 
Something must be done. Flora must come 
back to him. He would give up the whole 
world now; he knew what he had lost. 

“ We will go far, far away. We will start 
all over again. My son, my son, plead for 
me! ” 


115 


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 


F LORA, travel-stained and weary, sat by 
the bed of her boy. She had not re- 
moved her dark dress. Dr. Cross had met 
her at the station. He had been the one to 
persuade her to visit her friends in Chicago. 
He thought she needed a change. Never had 
she passed one night from her boy until now, 
but the judge and Lizzie were to watch him 
day and night. The two weeks’ visit was to 
do her a world of good. She was torn with 
emotion. Why had she gone, why had she left 
him? 

As the day advanced, no gleam of recog- 
nition came into Russel’s face. Flora was 
wild with grief. 

“ Don’t you know mama? ” she asked softly, 
time and time again. “ Take this for mama,” 
and many coaxing things were said, but Rus- 
sel was unconscious of his mother’s presence. 
In the first few days of his illness he asked 
constantly for her, but now he was too near 
116 


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 

the end to know or care who ministered to his 
wants. 

Judge Gray stood at the foot of the bed, 
watching for some change in the boy’s face. 
The doctors were in consultation in the next 
room. 

“ Oh, father, he must live. He cannot leave 
me now,” Flora moaned as she knelt by the 
child, watching every breath. Lizzie came in 
with a scared look, and spoke in whispers to 
Judge Gray. He seemed to straighten up to 
face the enemy. Going over to Flora, he said 
in a voice he tried hard to control, “ Tom 
West waits downstairs to see you and his 
child.” 

She looked to him for guidance. 

“ What must I do? Oh, father, my burden 
is more than I can bear! ” 

Lizzie went down to show him to the room 
where his child that he had never seen was 
laying in the stupor that comes to those so 
soon to cross the river of death. 

Judge Gray knelt by Flora and put his 
arm around her, whispering, “ Be brave, my 
daughter, God knows best. He will help us 
in this great hour of need.” 

117 


THE ACCUSED 


A soft step was heard. She knew her hus- 
band knelt on the opposite side of the bed. 
She knew sobs were convulsing his whole 
body. There was no word uttered. 

The doctors came in. Standing near. Dr. 
Cross felt of the child’s pulse, then placing his 
hand upon his forehead he felt the cold damp- 
ness that he knew was death. 

When the morning broke, all that was 
mortal of Russel Gray West had gone to his 
Father in heaven. Flora fainted as it 
dawned upon her that her darling was no 
more. When she came out of the dazed state 
she was in mad delirium. Her reason was 
gone, she raved. She spoke only of her ter- 
rible trouble. She lived over the years of her 
life in Salem. She was Flora West, the 
politician’s wife. She went through scenes 
with her husband. Day after day she was 
begging him to give up the race. Then she 
would walk the floor counting the terrible 
things of which she was accused. 

Judge Gray was like a statue. No one 
save he and Lizzie and Dr. Cross were al- 
lowed to be with her. Tom West had 
begged to stay and try to • win her back, 
118 


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 

but the sight of him seemed to add to her 
delirium. 

Russel Gray was laid to rest by the side 
of his grandmother whose name he bore. As 
Tom West drove to his hotel his heart was 
heavier than he had ever known. He knew 
now how she had loved him and how he had 
thrown that love away. There was nothing 
for him to do but go as far from this place 
as possible. He was not fit for any plan of 
work. He must leave it all behind. 

“ Oh, Flora, I want you now. I know what 
you have suffered. The rest of my life will 
be given to you though I am far from you.” 

Days went into weeks. Flora gave no sign 
of returning reason. Her father had taken a 
quiet place on the Hudson. There with Dr. 
Cross and Lizzie she was tended carefully. 
Nothing was left undone that could help her. 

After three months of raving she settled 
down to a stony grief. She sat for hours 
gazing at the river. She hadn’t noticed that 
she was not in her father’s home. She was 
thin, and her hair well sprinkled with grey. 
No one could have recognized the beautiful 
Flora West in this sad-eyed woman. 

119 


THE ACCUSED 


Summer was coming on, and the days began 
to get warm. Judge Gray concluded to take 
a long trip abroad. He felt that the change 
might bring reaction. He must leave no stone 
unturned. He feared to go back to the 
city home. At sight of the familiar things 
her raving might come back. So it was all 
arranged that Dr. Cross and Lizzie should 
go with them for a year in the old country. 
If Flora improved as the doctor thought, they 
would not come home until she was entirely 
well. 

The mention of the trip was the only thing 
she had taken notice of. She said to her 
father when he asked if she would like it, 
“ Yes, yes, anywhere, it does not matter now.” 

The first of July found them on the ocean, 
bound for Liverpool. Flora, seated on the 
deck, watched the high buildings grow dim- 
mer. Resting her head on her arms, she 
leaned forward and broke into sobs that con- 
vulsed her body. 

“ Let her weep,” the doctor said, “ it is 
best. You know no tears have been shed. 
She will be better after the storm.” 


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 


F IVE years since Flora West had knelt 
by the bed of her dying child, with no 
word of pardon for her husband whom she 
felt had abused her love. 

Tom West went from the grave of his son, 
out into the world, a man bowed in grief. He 
watched the little sufferer as he lay in the grip 
of that terrible disease, diphtheria. He saw 
the miniature image of himself, the high classic 
brow; the eyes that roved from one point to 
another in restless delirium he knew were his 
own. If prayer could have saved, little Rus- 
sel Gray would have lived to unite his father 
and mother. 

When Governor West left New York it 
was to wind up his affairs to go to a strange 
land, there to be a wanderer seeking forgetful- 
ness. Peace he knew would never come to his 
troubled soul. As he wandered through for- 
eign lands no word reached him of Flora. 
Only once had he heard, and that before she 
121 


THE ACCUSED 


left New York. A letter from Dan Lane 
reached him in Constantinople. He told him 
that he heard that Mrs. West was still in a 
state bordering on dementia. 

Joining a party of explorers going to 
the diamond fields of Africa, he passed five 
years, a grey-haired, broken old man, who 
became known to all in the camp as the 
“ Silent West.” He took no part in the 
gambling or any of the amusements of the 
miners. 

One morning he was missed from the break- 
fast. Going to his hut, Sam Ran, a big jolly 
American, found him in a stupor and high 
fever. Asking if there was anything he could 
do for him. West told him to place writing 
material by his cot, as he would spend part of 
the day writing to some of his people in 
America. Placing food and water close to 
him, Sam said, “ Now, old fellow, I will 
come up early to-night. I won’t join 
the boys in their jaunt to the colony.” 
Closing the door, Sam went whistling to his 
digging. 

As West lay on his cot with burning fever, 
he lived every day with Flora. Where was 
122 


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 


she? Was she dead, or worse, confined in 
some madhouse? With his burning fingers he 
clutched the pencil and wrote the last lines he 
was destined to write to Judge Gray: 

“ I am sick in South Africa. I feel 
that when these lines reach you I will be 
before the Judge of the Universe, who 
will be lenient to me, a penitent miner. 
I have paid for all the suffering I caused 
my wife, for never have I had an un- 
conscious hour. Her face and the face 
of our boy have been before me day and 
night. Had the child lived he may have 
softened her heart toward me, but God 
saw fit to take him. Since the day I 
knelt by the bed praying God to forgive 
me for my sins, and saw the life leave 
him, I have been a wanderer on the face 
of the earth. If my wife lives, my will is 
all in her favour. I want her to have the 
fortune that I have made. She shared 
not the honours the people gave me, but 
may the fruits of the ambition in her 
hands do good. If she is no more, you are 
instructed to build a home for friendless 
children, where good women will watch 
over and guide them to useful lives. 
Dedicate this home to my son, Russel 
Gray West. Pray God to soften your 
123 


THE ACCUSED 


heart toward me. With the confidence in 
my soul of forgiveness on high, I am, 

“ Tom West.” 

When Sam Ran came in towards dark, 
he found West sitting on the side of his cot. 

“ I am glad you came, Sam. I want you 
to read this letter, and sign your name here 
in witness that I wrote it. I want you to 
promise me, old boy, if I die that you will 
take this to New York to Judge Gray. I 
cannot trust the mails ; they are too uncertain. 
Here is another one you must deliver, too.” 
And Sam read, “ Dan Lane, Salem, Ind.” 
Unbuckling his belt, Tom West began to 
count the gold coin he had hidden. 

“ Here is money to more than pay you for 
your trouble, and you will not be gone from 
your claim long.” 

“ Why, old fellow, you are talking all for 
nothing. You will be all o.k. by morning, 
but I promise if you do shuffle off I will take 
the trip. Kinder think I would like to see old 
Uncle Sam once more, and it seems I can 
never make a stake here. So rest easy. After 
we plant you I will take the first boat out.” 

Joking about the various matters is only 
1M 


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 

the miners’ way. Their hearts are more 
tender than many who dress in the latest style 
and dine at six in the fashionable cafe. 

“ Well, we will turn in old fellow. I will 
not leave you alone to-night,” Sam said, as he 
began to throw a blanket down in front of 
the door. 

West took a few turns up and down the 
cabin, then threw himself upon the bed and 
fell asleep. Toward morning Sam was awak- 
ened by his friend calling, “Flora! Flora!” 

“Oh! I knew a woman had something to 
do with it. They are all alike; get a fellow 
dopey about them, then marry the dude next 
door.” 

As West’s voice grew more and more 
plaintive, begging Flora to come back, Sam 
got up and lighted the candle. Feeling the 
patient’s head, he was shocked at the burning 
fever. He called one of the boys and sent 
for the camp doctor. Kind hearts and willing 
hands did all they could for Silent West. 
For days he raved in delirium. When days 
had gone into weeks he grew quiet, and 
would lay all day without one word to those 
about him. It was soon known among the 
125 


THE ACCUSED 


boys that Silent West was in mind a 
child. 

When he was able to sit up he would play 
with anything that was handed him. All the 
boys were good and kind to him. 

It was not long until he went about the 
camp as a child would, picking up rocks, 
throwing at birds, amusing himself in many 
childish ways. 

One bright Sunday morning, around the 
camp Silent West was missing. No one paid 
much attention, thinking he had wandered off 
in search of the birds’ nests he found so much 
pleasure in. Night came, no sign of the miss- 
ing child-man. Morning came, and he had 
not returned. 

Sam Ran proposed to hunt for him. For 
days they scoured the country around. Not 
a sign could be seen of him. He was as com- 
pletely lost as if the earth had opened and 
swallowed him. 

It was a nine days’ wonder how Silent 
West had stolen away in the night. The 
miners were all doing their best to make a 
find. Some of them had been from home for 
years, and were growing homesick, but were 
126 


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 


determined to have something to take back 
to the old folks. 

It had been more than a year since Silent 
West so mysteriously disappeared. No one 
knew of the two letters that lay close to Sam 
Ran’s breast. Christmas was drawing near 
and as the boys sat around campfires, living 
the old Christmas days over, and wondering 
who would be in their places, sadness filled the 
air. A quiet, reminiscent feeling was over all, 
when suddenly Sam Ran broke the stillness. 

“ Boys, I am going to quit you, for a while 
anyhow. I want to tell you for the last year 
something has been pulling me back to Uncle 
Sam, stake or no stake. There is an old 
woman in a little Indiana town who prays 
for her boy every night. I feel her prayer 
and I am going to ship to New York on the 
first steamer that leaves this port. I am 
going to get my pack together. I tell you all 
good-bye. I may come back if things go as 
hard with me as six years ago, but anyhow, 
I will see her if God has spared her.” So say- 
ing, Sam Ran rose to leave. 

Standing there with their rough clothes 
127 


THE ACCUSED 


and bared heads, one after the other hade him 
Godspeed and sent many messages to loved 
ones. Sam Ran went to his cabin and gath- 
ered his few belongings together. Shaking 
hands with his companions, he started with his 
pack on a stick hung over his shoulder to the 
port, ten miles off. 


128 


CHAPTER NINETEEN 


T HE South African ship was out to sea. 

There were a goodly number of passen- 
gers on board. There had been a gay min- 
gling of new-found acquaintances, but none 
could make out anything substantial of the 
big, broad-shouldered man, who seemed to 
shun the rest of the passengers. 

As Sam Ran walked the deck of the vessel, 
only one thought filled his mind. Was it 
right, the thing he was about to do? Maybe 
Silent West was not dead. What if he should 
turn up after a few years? So the time was 
passed, and when New York was reached, 
Sam Ran had made up his mind to deliver 
the letter, and if he was asked about the death 
he would tell of his fever and delirium, and 
add that Silent West slept on the hillside 
of the claim owned by Sam Ran. Strange, 
how peaceful he felt after making up his 
mind to this deception. 

Soon after reaching New York, Sam Ran 
129 


THE ACCUSED 


was looking for Judge Walter Gray, to be 
told at his office that Judge Gray was abroad, 
and would not return for several months. 

“ Then I will find Dan Lane.” 

After purchasing a ticket for Salem, Ind., 
he seated himself in a first-class coach. Pull- 
ing his hat down well over his face he said 
to himself, “ Mother, it is for one kiss from 
your lips, and to hear you say that you for- 
give me for all the heartaches and pain I have 
given the best mother a boy ever had.” 

Falling asleep, his dreams were of Silent 
West, who always smiled at him with a whis- 
pered, “ Sam Ran, take my letter to 
America.” 


130 


CHAPTER TWENTY 


D AN LANE sat in his office reading the 
letter which Sam Ran had just given 
him. His face was drawn. One could easily 
see that real grief filled his heart. As he read 
the scrawl, almost illegible, his mind was filled 
with thoughts of this man, to whom he had 
vowed allegiance, not for friendship’s sake, 
nor belief in his principles, but to gain the 
love of the only woman he had ever loved. 
He saw plainly now how much he had done 
towards the breaking up of that home. He 
knew he was guilty. 

All these years since Flora West had gone 
to her father Lane had tried hard to feel that 
Tom West’s was the hand that dealt the blow. 
But now he sat a convicted criminal in his 
own mind. West had written asking him to 
aid Flora in many matters that would come 
up. His will, and all personal papers, were in 
his safe in the Lane Trust Company. “ See 
that Flora has all. If she is at rest, Judge 
131 


THE ACCUSED 


Gray, with your assistance, will build the home 
for friendless children. The yearly income on 
my property will pay the expenses of such an 
institution.” 

Sam Ran felt that his had been a sad mis- 
sion, but one that would be the means of much 
good. Lane asked of West’s life. Ran could 
tell very little. He could only say that he 
never spoke of any family or friends, and the 
boys had called him “ Silent West.” He was 
a straight pal, though. You could gamble on 
that, and what he told you. 

After a few moments’ silence, Lane turned 
to Sam saying, “Yes, he was a straight pal, 
but ambition was his undoing.” 

The two men talked over all that Lane 
could tell of West’s story. “ Have you found 
Judge Gray? ” 

“ No, he is in Europe and will not come 
home before the summer is over.” 

“ Will you stay in this country to deliver 
the letter, or will you trust me to give it to 
him as soon as he arrives? I have business 
in New York this fall, and if you will trust 
me I swear that from my own hand he shall 
take the letter.” 


132 


CHAPTER TWENTY 


Sam Ran looked into Dan Lane’s eyes 
without one blink of his eye. As the two 
stood facing each other, each trying to read 
the inmost soul, Ran slowly produced the 
letter he had carefully wrapped in a piece of 
yellow oilcloth and sealed with the green wax 
used in mining camps. Looking at Lane, in a 
steady voice he said, “ I can trust you,” and 
placed the queer package in his hand. 

“ This wrapping will not be removed until 
Judge Gray himself shall break the seal.” 

Bidding Lane good-bye, Sam Ran went to 
the little railroad station to take the train 
that would land him in his native village, there 
to visit his old mother, who had heard no tid- 
ings of her son for more than ten years. 

“ This fellow Silent West seems to have 
been a real aristocrat. What in the devil did 
he want to be digging for diamonds and 
living like a broken-down miner for? Oh, 
well, this is a funny world.” 

He pulled his hat down over his eyes, and 
when eight hours later the station was reached 
to which his ticket read, he was so soundly 
sleeping that the porter had to give him a 
vigorous shake to awaken him. As the train 
133 


THE ACCUSED 


pulled out the passengers looking out of the 
windows saw a tall, roughly-dressed man 
standing on the platform, looking about him 
as if trying to locate himself in some com- 
munity in which he had once been perfectly 
familiar. 


134 


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE 


J UDGE GRAY and Flora were settled 
in their old home. Flora’s health was 
recovered, but instead of the beautiful girl of 
ten years ago was a woman more beautiful 
than she had ever given promise. Her figure 
was the same, a graceful, dainty little body; 
her eyes had become deeper and bluer, her 
once golden hair was as white as the driven 
snow. People would turn to look at her un- 
usual beauty. There was a smile of resigna- 
tion in her face that had dispelled the piquant 
beauty that had once made the beautiful 
Flora Gray so interesting. 

Years had dealt kindly with the judge. He 
went about his daily affairs with the same 
regal manner. No one to look at him would 
dream of the sorrow that had been in his 
life. 

“ Flora, my child,” he was saying, “ I had 
a letter from Mr. Lane asking for a con- 
ference with me. You know this is the day 
135 


THE ACCUSED 


for him. If it will be painful for you to 
meet him I will see him at his hotel, or he 
can come to my office.” 

Flora placed her hand on her father’s arm. 
“ No, father, let him come here. You know 
there is nothing now that can hurt. After 
you have talked over the business matter Mr. 
Lane mentions, send to my room for me. I 
will come down to see him.” 

Dan Lane and the judge, two hours later, 
were bending over many official papers in 
deep discussion of values of property speci- 
fied. 

“ Judge Gray, I knew that Tom West had 
accumulated a great fortune, but I never 
dreamed it half so large.” 

“ I am sure, Mr. Lane, that my daughter 
will never touch one cent of this vast fortune, 
but I believe she will follow the instructions 
given me in case she was dead. A memorial 
in honour of her son would appeal to her, for 
she thinks of nothing and counts his loss the 
blow that dethroned her reason for more than 
two years. Anyway, I will send for her. We 
will read the letter of a dying man to her. 
She will tell you what is to be done.” 

136 


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE 


A few moments later, when Lizzie came to 
find Flora and tell her that she was wanted 
in the library, she found her carefully placing 
Russel’s toys in a large box, to be sent to a 
home for crippled children. 

“ Oh, Miss Flora! Are you going to give 
all the beautiful things away? ” 

“Yes, Lizzie, the toys made him who was 
so well and strong happy. What pleasure they 
will give to the poor little cripples who know 
so little of the beautiful things of life. Rus- 
sel Gray loved to make those around him 
happy, and the little cripples always appealed 
to him. Lizzie, I expect to devote much of 
my time administering to the poor little waifs 
of the street. I never see a little newsboy, 
barefooted and ragged, that I don’t want to 
take him to my heart. Oh, yes, tell father I 
will be down in a few moments.” 

The two men standing by the table piled 
high with papers felt rather than heard some 
one enter. When Dan Lane saw the beauti- 
ful vision he gasped for breath. 

“ Oh, Flora, Flora!” was all he could say. 
She held out her hands, he took them mechani- 
cally. He could only gaze into the sad face. 

137 


THE ACCUSED 


Dropping one hand, he placed the other 
upon her white head. She smiled up in his 
face, saying, “ No, not in a night, but in ten 
years of agony and remorse.” 

The judge drew a chair close to the table, 
telling her to listen to all that he would say. 
A matter of grave importance was before 
them. As gently as he could he told of the 
wanderings and death of Tom West. He 
read her the letter that West had written 
when he felt that the spark of life was about 
spent. As he read on she bowed her white 
head upon the table. She sobbed silently. 
Mr. Lane then told her of the request that 
she should have and use his fortune hut, as he 
spoke, she raised her head, her eyes red and 
swollen. 

“ Am I to use it just as I see fit, without 
interference? ” 

“ Yes, Mrs. West, it is yours to do with 
as you please.” 

Then she said in a voice that trembled, “ I 
will take it. Mr. Lane, as my husband’s 
friend, I ask you at once to help me plan and 
build a home for the friendless children just 
as he asked my father to do. It must be in 
138 


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE 


the town of Salem, and instead of being in 
memory of my boy alone, it must be a monu- 
ment to the memory of Tom West and his son 
Russel Gray West.” She finished speaking 
and rose to her feet. A flush had mantled 
her brow. Never had Flora West looked 
more beautiful than now. Dan Lane bowed 
his head as in benediction as he listened to 
her unfold her plans for the home. When 
he left her that night it was with the promise 
of seeing her again within a few weeks, with 
every detail of construction and location of the 
institution that was to be known as the Russel 
West Home for Children. 

As the days went into weeks every hour of 
Flora’s time was taken up with the letters she 
had to write, and numerous business matters 
that came under her personal eye. Judge 
Gray was pleased to see the eager look in 
her face. She no longer sat in the dusk and 
stared into a vacant gloom. 

“Oh, father! Just think that ere another 
year goes by all will be ready. The little ones 
will know what a real home is. I sometimes 
think that I must go and live there to be with 
the children. 


139 


THE ACCUSED 


The poor old man sighed, and then he 
smiled upon her. “ My child, your happiness 
must be the only thing considered. I care 
not where I spend the remaining years, but 
your life is all before you.” 


140 


CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO 


T WO years from the day that Sam Ran 
left the mining camp in far-away Africa 
all Salem was gathered together, and those 
for miles around who had loved Tom West as 
a boy, and honoured him as a man, were there 
to listen to Dan Lane as he dedicated the 
home for friendless children to their old friend 
and citizen, Tom West, and his son, Russel 
Gray West. 

Flora and her father were there. Dan 
Lane dwelt upon the early life of Tom West, 
of his struggles with poverty ; how he had won 
the highest office in the gift of his state; of 
the fortune he had accumulated by his law 
practice and faithful attention to business; of 
the charitable deed he had done. Now, when 
death had claimed him in a foreign clime, he 
had willed all to his wife, and she, through 
the desire to befriend those who had known 
her husband and loved him, the unfortunate 
children in his native state should have a home 


141 


THE ACCUSED 


where Christianity and faithful adherence to 
duty, with a liberal education, would be given 
them only for the asking. 

All day long, on every side, nothing but 
encomiums of praise was heard for the dead 
governor, and sympathetic words for his 
widow. No one would ever know more of 
the sad life of those two than was known 
now. Which had erred none should ever 
know. In this old town where Tom West 
was born and reared his faults were never to 
be blazoned to the world, but his good deeds 
would live forever. The magnificent structure 
that crowned the hill-top would be his monu- 
ment. The old men and women would never 
grow tired of telling how Tom West made his 
way in the world. 

After the ceremonies were over, Flora stood 
in the hall, receiving thanks and words of 
praise for what she had done, and hearty co- 
operation in the charitable work she had 
mapped out for her life’s work. Her father 
and Dan Lane stood with her. Dan Lane 
was to have complete control of all funds. He 
was her agent, her ideas would be carried out 
by him. 


142 


CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO 


As she was bidding the many old friends 
good-bye, with promises to come often to visit 
the home, she stood on the rear platform of 
the train. Dan Lane held her hand in part- 
ing a moment longer than necessary, saying, 
“ Your father has promised to plead my 
cause.” 


143 


CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE 


T HE home on the hill for friendless chil- 
dren had prospered far beyond the most 
sanguine expectations. It is now ten years 
since that monument was placed upon the hill. 
There was not an inhabitant in the old town 
who ever grew tired of telling of the man who 
had been born and reared among them, and 
the young children could tell wonderful stories 
of this good man. 

Judge Gray had gone to his reward in 
heaven eight years ago. Flora, left all alone 
in the world before she was thirty-five, thought 
her cup was bitter, but trouble had strength- 
ened her. Taking up her life and trying to 
mend the broken threads, she looked about for 
something to do. At last she decided to go to 
Salem and live in the Russel Gray West 
Home. She loved children, and there among 
the little ones she would do the work her hands 
found to do. 

Flora had been living here eight years. She 
144 


CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE 


was happy and contented, the children loved 
her and the Salem people worshipped. Wher- 
ever she went hats were raised, women would 
smile, down in their hearts wondering why it 
all happened. 

Dan Lane had long since learned that she 
was not to be more than his friend. They 
often counselled together for the good of the 
home. No gossip connected their names. 

As the Christmas time drew near Flora 
planned a gala time for “ her children,” as the 
little waifs were called. 

“ Oh, what a grand time they shall have. 
I will make myself believe that they are all 
mine, and old Santa will come with a well- 
filled pack.” 


145 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 


AN old man alighted from a late train 
il Christmas eve in the little town of 
Salem. No one seemed to be waiting for 
him. The small depot was crowded with 
eager faces anxiously awaiting the arrival of 
some member of the family or Christmas 
visitor. 

Tom West (for the old man was no other) 
looked about him. There was not one familiar 
face. Seating himself upon a truck used to 
load baggage, he watched the anxious faces, 
trying to find the trace of an old friend. 
Twenty years since he came in the early morn- 
ing with Flora to see her on the train that 
would take her to her father, never to come 
back to him. “ Oh for ‘ Aladdin’s lamp ’ to 
say, Presto! change! ” To see her standing 
there with her childish eyes and golden hair, 
to hear her voice asking, “ Are you tired, 
dear? ” To feel her arms around his neck. 

The “ boy ” would be almost a man. He 
146 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 


would no doubt be coming home from some 
eastern college to spend his holidays. Oh, 
what a home-coming it would have been! 
Hadn’t he and Flora in their first year of 
married life built castles that resounded with 
the voices of happy boys and girls? 

Sitting thus he watched the trains stop, 
heard the greetings and happy Christmas 
cheer until almost midnight. No use to go to 
the hotel; he could not sleep. Straightening 
himself up to his full height and taking a cigar 
from his pocket, he decided to walk through 
the old streets until morning. 

Going out the main street of the town, he 
saw many improvements on every side. Elec- 
tric signs, with familiar names, flashed their 
red, green and yellow lights before him. The 
residence part of the street was filled with 
handsome homes and well-kept lawns. He 
could see nothing that had marked the old 
town. Like Rip Van Winkle he was search- 
ing for those he had known. 

In the distance, high on the hill, hundreds 
of lights twinkled. “ I wonder what that 
building can be? ” 

Walking on until the grounds were 
14 ? 


THE ACCUSED 


reached, he passed through the huge gates. 
The beautiful grounds were dotted here and 
there with swings. A merry-go-round was 
covered with an awning. The music from the 
big hall floated out to his ear. He drew 
nearer, seeing children romping around a 
large Christmas tree in the hall, lighted by 
hundreds of candles. The happy voices 
floated out to him. 

“ This must be some state institution. How 
long I have been away from this place!” 

Tom West watched the Christmas tree, 
little dreaming that the “ Santa Claus ” all 
in white, with long beard and fat stomach, 
was Dan Lane; that his had been the un- 
seen hand that made the unfortunate ones 
happy. 

Going back as he came, his mind was busy 
with the past. The future was a blank. Com- 
ing to a small square with fountain and 
benches, he threw himself down to wait for 
morning. The night was cold, but he cared 
not; neither heat nor cold affected him. 

A burly policeman came sauntering along. 
“ Hello! my friend, you’d better move along. 
No lounging here! We cops have strict orders 
148 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 


to watch this town, as the crooks from Chicago 
seem to think this a choice spot to light.” 

Seeing that it was an old, white-headed 
man, well dressed, who had been accosted, he 
changed his tone, saying, “ Stranger in these 
parts? Yes, I know our hotels are pretty 
full.” 

West began asking questions of the police- 
man. 

“ I have not been here for about twenty 
years, and I would like to get a little informa- 
tion about the old town and some of the 
people. Sit down here and tell me something 
of this place. I will look up my old friends 
early in the morning.” 

Seating himself and lighting the cigar West 
offered, the big cop was at once ready to be of 
use to the old gentleman. 

“ First I would like to know the name 
of this park and the fountain there? ” 

Giving a long puff at his cigar he answered, 
“ This is West Park, given to the city by the 
wife and sister of Tom West, who was mayor 
of this town once, and then governor.” 

Tom West could hardly hide his agitation. 

“ This very spot,” the cop continued, “ is 
149 


THE ACCUSED 


where Tom West was bom. The old house 
was torn away many years ago.” 

In as steady a voice as he could command, 
Tom West asked, “ The large building up 
there on the hill, with the beautiful grounds 
— what institution is that? This state is 
doing a great deal in the way of state build- 
ings.” 

“ That is the Russel Gray West Home for 
Children, given to this state by Mrs. Tom 
West, the wife of the same West for whom 
this park is named. The home is in memory 
of Tom West and his only child, Russel, who 
died when scarcely four years old.” 

The old gentleman had gotten up from the 
seat, and was pacing back and forth. “ Tell 
me about this Tom West. I must have known 
him. How long has he been dead? Tell me 
all you know of him, his wife, his sister, every- 
thing, my friend. I am sure he is the same 
fellow I remember so well at college thirty 
years ago.” 

If there was anything that Salem people 
loved to dwell upon, it was the memory of 
Tom West, and what his wife had done since 
his death. 


150 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 


Beginning from the birth of the child, Tom, 
the man followed him through life until the 
day his wife returned to her city home. Not 
one word of condemnation did he hear, 
nothing but praise. Suddenly West inter- 
rupted the story, asking in an abrupt manner, 
“ Why did his wife leave him? What 
had he done that she should return to her 
father? ” 

Laying the butt of the smokeless cigar 
carefully down, the policeman said in a low, 
gentle voice, “ My friend, that was their 
secret. No one in this town will ever know 
what caused the trouble that broke two hearts. 
As sure as there is a God it was a mistake for 
both. When Mrs. West came back here to 
build that house, all who looked at the beauti- 
ful woman with her snowy hair could see 
written in lines of sorrow, ‘ My heart will 
never know joy or happiness, but I must 
do all that he would have done.’ I tell you, 
man, no saint in heaven will wear a brighter 
crown than that little woman who lives there 
on the hill, teaching those poor unfortunate 
children how to live and giving them bread 
and education, so that when they are old 
151 


THE ACCUSED 


enough to go out into the world they will have 
an equal chance with the more fortunately 
born.” 

“ Where did she get the money? Was this 
man West a rich man? ” 

“ After his death a miner from South 
Africa brought two letters here, one for Judge 
Gray of New York, his father-in-law, the 
other for Dan Lane, an old friend. After 
everything was looked over it was discovered 
that Tom West was a very rich man. He 
had left all his money to his wife. She built 
‘ The Home.’ When her father died two 
years later, she came to make her home here. 
You can go to the house when you will, and 
you will always see the beautiful white-haired 
woman surrounded by the children. She tells 
them beautiful stories, and plants good seed 
in their little minds. When a boy or girl 
leaves the Russel Gray West Home there is 
no evil in their hearts. Both mind and body 
have been nourished. 

The sun was beginning to show a rosy hue 
in the east. The cop arose and giving his belt 
a twist and tilting his hat back, said, “ Well 
stranger, I hope I will see you again, and I 
152 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 


am sure you will find many things to interest 
you here. If I can do anything toward 
helping you find any of your old friends, call 
on me, Jake Green, No. 61 .” 


153 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE 


T OM WEST stalked into the lobby of 
the Salem, the largest hotel in the town. 
Going to the desk, the clerk pushed the 
register to him, and in a bold hand he wrote, 
“ W. Thomas, South Africa.” Handing his 
checks, he asked that his baggage be sent for 
at once. It was the breakfast hour. He 
watched the crowd. How strange that after 
twenty years he could stand here and no one 
knew him! 

A group of four or five men stood talking a 
few feet from him. Two he recognized at 
once. A little more grey and inclined to be 
stout, yet he knew Dan Lane and Dan Potts. 
Surveying himself in the glass, he knew why 
he was unrecognizable. Tall, stooped, with 
thin grey hair, his skin yellow and seared with 
wrinkles, instead of tipping the scales at two 
twenty-five pounds, he would scarcely weigh 
one hundred and twenty-five. 

“ I will have my breakfast first, then seek 
154 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE 


Dan and tell him the dead has come to life. 
Oh, Flora! Will you forget the past and 
with me take up the broken threads and wind 
to the end? Together we may find peace.” 

A hearty breakfast at a table near the 
centre of the room, where he could see the 
men, young and old, hurrying to be through 
with their meal, eager to be out in the street 
to pass good cheer. More than one person 
noticed the tall, stooped man as he slowly left 
the cafe. 

Seating himself at a writing desk, he called 
for a copy of the city directory. 

“Yes, here it is! Dan Lane, Lane build- 
ing, third floor front, ’phone 2418. I will call 
over the ’phone first, so that I may be sure to 
see him.” 

As Tom walked across the lobby to the 
’phone booth, he came face to face with the 
Rev. Black, now old and using a cane to 
lean upon in his visits from one home to 
another. Stopping suddenly, Mr. Black 
dropped his cane. Extending both hands, 
with his face like death, he exclaimed, “ I 
know it can be no other! The lost is found! 
I never have felt you were dead. I knew you 
155 


THE ACCUSED 


were not, after hearing the confession of a 
dying man nearly six months ago.” Taking 
him by the arm, he led West to a nearby seat, 
where for more than an hour these two told 
of the past. Tom freely confessed to his old 
rector his part in the tragedy of two lives. 
Mr. Black told him how his wife had come to 
them and here, day after day, spent her life 
doing good in his name; that there was not 
one in the community but honoured his name. 

As the old man related so much of interest, 
Tom spoke in his lowest tones: 

“ Mr. Black, I want my wife to take me 
back in her heart. What can I do?” 

“ Tom, you have never been out of her 
heart. Even in her deepest sorrow it was 
her love for you that drove her to the step. 
It was all a dreadful mistake. Go to her this 
day, this hour. Seek her ere another can 
tell her you still live. Let this be the gladdest 
Christmas that you have ever known.” 

“ Oh, if I dared! I fear so to go to Flora! 
She may not forgive. She may turn from 
me.” 

Placing his feeble hand upon that of his 
friend, Mr. Black said, “ The subject of my 
156 


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE 

sermon last Sunday was ‘ Love Divine.’ To- 
day it is ‘ Peace on Earth.’ Go to her with 
this in your heart. I feel that the sun to-day 
will set on two united souls, who will spend 
the rest of their lives in peace, which is the 
natural inheritance of all God’s creatures. 
Go, my friend, with my blessing.” 

Leaving Tom sitting as in a dream, the 
good man, who had shared the sorrows of his 
flock here for more than thirty years, passed 
on among the crowd to wish one and another 
a happy Christmas. 


157 


CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX 


I N the small waiting-room off the hall, Flora 
was summoned by the man-servant to see 
a gentleman who would not send in his name. 
Some one who needs help this Christmas day 
no doubt. As she passed from her room down 
the long corridor, many were the merry 
Christmas greetings she heard. The children 
trooped about her, all with a smile of love. 
She was never too busy to give them a word. 
Seeing her special pet, Benny, a little crippled 
boy of three, she picked him up in her arms. 
Going to the room where she could see an old 
gentleman waiting, as she reached the door 
she put the little fellow in the arms of the 
nurse, who followed close behind. Turning 
from Benny, she stopped, then gave a little 
cry: “ Tom, Tom! ” 

When she came back to consciousness there 
were several attendants about, but her eyes 
roved around the room until she found the 
object sought for. All knew the story now, 
158 


CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX 


for in his fear of what the shock had done 
Tom West poured out the truth. 

“ Come near,” she whispered. “ I am better 
now. I have felt all the time you must come 
back, so I came here that you would find me, 
trying to mend the past as best I might.” 

They were left alone to tell their own story. 
When evening came, Tom West and his wife 
sat among the children, who crowded around 
them to show their love. 

“No greater love has any man,” Tom West 
said, as he folded his wife to his breast. 


THE END 


159 















\ 
















$ 










































